GPs in Redbridge are urging people to help the NHS by using local health services wisely over the long weekend.

It is a great time for relaxing but if you get injured or you become ill unexpectedly, the NHS is still on hand. By choosing the right place for treatment and advice, you will get the help you need more quickly – allowing local A&E staff to focus on those who need emergency, life-saving care.

People who require health services in Redbridge over the August bank holiday weekend have a number of options:

NHS 111 Clinical Assessment Service

If you need medical help or advice fast and your GP practice is closed, call NHS 111. Clinicians, such as GPs and nurses, are available to provide high-quality assessments, advice and treatment over the phone at any time. They will also be able to book an appointment for people with the most appropriate NHS service if they need one, and can prescribe medicines over the phone if required.

It means you will get the right care, in the right place, first time.

Urgent GP appointments

Urgent, same-day, bookable appointments are available every evening, weekend and on bank holidays at the boroughs’ GP hubs. Appointments are available from 8am to 8pm throughout the bank holiday weekend.

To book an urgent same day appointment, call 020 3770 1888 or contact NHS 111.

Pharmacy

Many common illnesses such as coughs or colds can be best and most easily treated by visiting your local pharmacy, where you can speak to a pharmacist without making an appointment. Your pharmacist can offer advice on how to look after yourself at home with rest and over-the-counter treatments.

There are a number of pharmacies open in Redbridge over the bank holiday weekend. A full list is available on the Redbridge CCG website

Mental health support

If you are already known to mental health services, or need to speak to someone urgently, you can call NELFT mental health direct on 0300 555 1000 at any time. Advisers can arrange for you to speak with a mental health professional and help direct you to the right service to get the support you need.

Walk-in services

If you are not registered with a GP and need urgent medical help, you can visit your nearest walk-in service. You do not need an appointment. These are open seven days a week. Opening times of locations, including Loxford Polyclinic, are available on the Redbridge CCG website.

You can also search for healthcare services in Redbridge using the myhealthlondon app.

To help local people find the right place for treatment and advice over the bank holiday period. Redbridge CCG has produced helpful videos on what local services are available. The videos for accessing evening or weekend NHS GP appointments, pharmacy and NHS 111, can all be found on the CCG website.

Dr Shujah Hameed, local GP and urgent care lead at Redbridge CCG, said: “If you do get ill over the bank holiday weekend, there are lots of ways that you can get the right care you need.

“No one wants to spend their bank holiday sitting in A&E and you don’t need to, as there are quicker, easier ways to get treatment, or to be seen by a nurse or doctor.

“Going to the right place ensures you receive the help you require as quickly as possible, and it also helps to free up A&E for people with life threatening injuries and illnesses.”