Message From Your Local NHS: Use NHS Services Wisely During Bank Holidays And Weekends

* Dr Ellen Wright

by NHS Greenwich CCG | Health

Plan ahead and make sure you have enough medicines and use NHS services wisely if you have an urgent health problem over the August bank holiday weekend. 

That’s the message from GPs at NHS Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as residents and patients in the borough prepare to enjoy the three day break. 

NHS Greenwich CCG is reminding local patients that A&E is for life-threatening illnesses only and that other health services are available locally if their GP practice is closed on the bank holiday Monday. 

Dr Ellen Wright, local GP and Clinical Chair of Greenwich CCG. said there were a number of ways people could find the right service for them if they fell ill over the weekend. 

She said: “If your GP surgery is closed and you haven’t got a life threatening illness or injury you can call the 24/7 free NHS number 111 or visit the NHS Choices website to find the right service,” adding “We’re asking people not to use the ambulance service and A&E as an alternative to their GP if their GP practice is closed on the bank holiday Monday. 

“There are other health services in Greenwich that can provide quicker and more appropriate treatment if you have a minor injury or ailment. 

“It is also important to plan ahead and make sure you have enough medicines to see you through the bank holiday weekend when your GP surgery will be closed.” 

Alternative NHS services available to Greenwich residents over the bank holiday: 

Self-care: – people suffering from minor ailments such as coughs and colds, grazes and hangovers should treat themselves at home or visit their local pharmacy.

Pharmacies: – your local pharmacist is qualified to offer advice on health issues and medication as well as treat headaches, an upset stomach and other common illnesses.

A list of pharmacies open during the bank holiday available here: http://www.greenwichccg.nhs.uk/News-Publications/news/Pages/Use-NHS-services-wisely-during-the-August-bank-holiday-weekend.aspx.

NHS 111 – NHS 111: is a free phone service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It offers a one-stop number for patients with urgent, but not life-threatening symptoms 

Urgent Care Centre (UCC) and Walk-in Centre -- with no appointment necessary your local centres are managed by doctors and nurses who are available to deal with minor illnesses and injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains and suspected breaks.

Visit the Greenwich Urgent Care Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, Woolwich, London SE18 4QH. Open from 8am to 11pm, 7 days a week: https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/.

Visit the Urgent Care Centre in Thamesmead. Open from 8am to 8pm. 4 - 5 Thames Reach, Thamesmead, London SE28 0NY, Tel: 020 8319 5880.

Visit the Walk-in Centre in Woolwich. Open from 8am to 8pm. Clover Health Centre, Equitable House, General Gordon Place Woolwich London SE18 6AB, Tel: 020 8331 0567.

GP out-of-hours service: – If you need to see a doctor when your GP surgery is closed, ring 111 and if appropriate you will be transfered to the GP out-of-hours services. These are staffed by local doctors and nurses who can offer advice. or see you at their base, or if you are too unwell to travel, visit you at home.

Residents can download a guide to alternative services in the Greenwich area here:​ http://www.greenwichccg.nhs.uk/News-Publications/campaigns/Pages/default.aspx.