Press release – 3 May 2018
2018/030

Know where to go for local healthcare services on May Bank Holiday weekend

Health and care services in Herefordshire are preparing for a busy May Bank Holiday weekend (5 to 7 May) and are asking people to look after themselves, their family, and neighbours during this time. 

Dr Ian Tait, GP and Clinical Chair at Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “All partners are working together to ensure people are cared for appropriately.  We know there is huge pressure on ambulance services, A&E, primary Care (GPs) and social care so we are also reminding people to use services considerately during this extremely busy time. 

“It is important to plan ahead, stock up your medicine cabinets with plenty of time to spare so you can treat minor injuries and illnesses at home, avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor.  People with long-term conditions like asthma, heart conditions and diabetes, should collect any repeat prescriptions they might need before the Bank Holiday weekend.

“If you do get ill during the May Bank Holiday weekend and it’s not life threatening, there are a number of health services available including your local pharmacist – visit Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group website www.herefordshireccg.nhs.uk/your-health for pharmacy opening times, contact your GP during opening hours, or call NHS 111 (available 24 hours a day) if you are unsure which service you need or require non-emergency medical guidance or an out of hours urgent GP appointment”. 

Louise Weaver, Emergency Department Matron, at Wye Valley NHS Trust, added: “Our Emergency Department is extremely busy, particularly during Bank Holiday weekends, and we recognise that there will potentially be long waits for our patients, so if it’s not life threatening or serious make sure you consider the NHS alternatives available to you”. 

Ends

Note to editors:

Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider health services across Herefordshire and beyond.

The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve. We are the leading provider of health care in Herefordshire.

By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.

With an estimated annual turnover of around £180 million, we employ around 2,700 plus staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community.

For further information please contact the Trust communication team on 01432 372928 or 01432 355444 x5105.