PEOPLE in the district are being reminded of the services open over the coming Bank Holiday weekend if they need help. 

The local NHS is raising awareness of the services open over the August Bank Holiday weekend, when GP practices will be closed.

This year the August Bank Holiday is Monday, August 30 and while GP practices will be closed during this time, pharmacies, as well as NHS telephone and online help will be available.

Some pharmacies in the district offer an out of hour’s service. Use the NHS Bradford District and Craven CCG website to see a list of pharmacies open over the Bank Holiday weekend - https://www.bradfordcravenccg.nhs.uk/patients/your-health/bank-holiday-pharmacy-opening-times/

For common illnesses like sore throats, headaches and aches and pains, over the counter medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be purchased.  Community pharmacies can also provide healthcare advice and support for these.

Information on how to treat common illnesses and injuries can be found by visiting the NHS website: NHS.UK. Details of local wellbeing services across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale or Craven can also be found at www.healthyminds.services.

Dr Dave Tatham, GP and strategic clinical director at Bradford District and Craven CCG said: “For health needs that are not a life-threatening emergency but are urgent, or if you’re unsure what to do, the friendly teams at NHS 111 will be able to advise you or direct you to the most appropriate part of the NHS, including booking an appointment for you if necessary.

“You can check symptoms using the NHS 111 service on the website – 111.nhs.uk – or by speaking to a fully trained adviser on the phone, if you’re asking about someone aged under five. You will then be directed to the best service to help you.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress and needs urgent mental health support, you can call First Response on 0800 952 1181, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

The NHS would also like to remind people not to go to a service in person, including pharmacies, if they:

  • have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste)
  • live with someone who has symptoms

People who have at least one the above symptoms of coronavirus are eligible to be tested and can book a coronavirus test on the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test