The NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside is reminding people to plan ahead for the Easter bank holiday weekend by knowing where to go for urgent help and ensuring they have enough medication.
With more travel and social gatherings expected over the break, parents are also encouraged to check that their children are fully vaccinated against avoidable childhood illnesses. School holidays often bring children into close contact with friends and extended family, making it easier for illnesses to spread—particularly in areas where vaccination rates have fallen. Even a small number of unvaccinated children can lead to outbreaks, which can disrupt holiday plans and pose serious health risks to the wider community.
People who rely on repeat prescriptions are urged to request them as soon as possible so GP practices and pharmacies have time to process and dispense medication. Some GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Easter period, and many will be closed from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April making it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice. To find pharmacy opening times, visit www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.
The easiest way to request a repeat prescription via the NHS App or through your GP practice website. The NHS App also allows people to book and cancel appointments at their GP practice, view their health record and get trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments. Download the NHS App on the app store or on google play.
For urgent medical help, or if you’re not sure what to do, contact NHS 111 by calling 111, visiting 111.nhs.uk or by using the NHS App.
NHS 111 can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. If needed it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or provide self-treatment advice over the phone. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Urgent treatment centres and walk-in centres provide same-day medical help for non-life-threatening issues. Some centres will be operating under reduced hours during the bank holidays. You can search for appointments via NHS 111, or check opening times here.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option to talk to a professional. This service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For urgent dental help or advice, please contact your dentist first. If your dental practice is closed, or you aren’t registered at one, you can call the local dental helpline for Cheshire and Merseyside on 0161 476 9651.
For life-threatening emergencies and serious injuries, people should call 999 or go straight to A&E.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Executive Clinical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
The Easter holidays bring more mixing and more opportunities for infections to spread. Making sure children are up to date with their routine vaccinations is one of the most important steps parents and carers can take right now. We strongly encourage parents and carers in Cheshire and Merseyside to use this time to check their child’s vaccination record. If your child has missed a vaccine, please don’t worry – contact your GP, it’s never too late to check if you can catch up.
If you need urgent medical help this Easter and you’re not sure where to go, NHS 111 is the best place to start. It can assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate service for you, quickly and safely. If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should always call 999 or go straight to A&E.
