9 August 2013
Local residents are being reminded that there are a whole range of NHS services available over the bank holiday weekend - it doesn’t need to be A&E.
If you or your family need medical attention when your GP practice is closed you can access the GP out of hours service. Just call NHS 111.
The service is open on Bank Holidays and during holiday periods when surgeries are closed. The Minor injury unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the walk-in centre on Broad Lane in the City Centre are also both open over the bank holiday weekend.
NHS 111 is a freephone service which can give you advice about which NHS services are open and able to help you with your problem. If you use the internet then more advice is available through the NHS Choices website.
Dr Richard Oliver, GP and joint clinical director at NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “We hope everyone enjoys the bank holiday weekend but please, if you do need health care, keep A&E for serious and life threatening emergencies only.
“There are many alternatives available for less serious conditions and injuries and we urge people to use them. And if it can wait, then GP practices will be open again as normal on Tuesday.
“It is also important that people make sure they have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to deal with minor illnesses and accidents. Please also ensure that you have enough of all your regular medications to see you through the bank holiday.
“Of course if it is a serious or life threatening emergency dial 999 or go to the A&E at Northern General Hospital for over 16s and Sheffield Children’s Hospital for under 16s.”
Other local health services include:
More information, including opening times, directions and useful numbers, are available on the NHS Sheffield CCG website at www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk in the Your Health section – bookmark the page just in case you need healthcare advice in a hurry.
