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

The long weekend 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 over the early May bank holiday weekend have a number of options:

Urgent GP appointments

Urgent, same day, bookable appointments are available in Redbridge every evening, weekend and on bank holidays at the boroughs’ GP hubs. Appointments are available between 8am and 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 will be available on Redbridge website here.

NHS 111 service

If you need medical help fast but your condition is not life threatening, you can the call free NHS 111 service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Its trained advisers and experienced clinicians can assess you, offer advice and direct you to the right place for the medical care you need as quickly as possible.

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. Details of opening times are locations are available on Redbridge CCG website.

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.”