Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group is encouraging local people to choose the right healthcare service at the right time,should they need care over the New Year bank holiday.

While GP practices across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will be closed on Friday 1st January 2021 and will reopen on Monday 4th January 2021, many other NHS services remain open to provide medical treatment if you need it.

Dr Ruth Grabham, Medical Director for BSW CCG said: “Over the festive bank holiday weekend there was enormous pressure placed on our local health services and with another bank holiday fast approaching, we are asking local people to do their bit by knowing where to go if they need help.

“By making the right choices about where to go, not only will they help to reduce pressure on the services, but they may also be treated faster.

“It’s also important to remember that the right option for your healthcare needs might in fact be to self-care, rather than using one of our urgent care services. Many minor seasonal illnesses can easily be managed at home, such as an upset stomach or sore throat, and having some key items in your medicine cabinet, such as paracetamol, oral re-hydration salts and indigestion treatment will mean you don’t have to go out when you’re feeling poorly.

”Several pharmacies spread across the region will remain open during the bank holiday weekend, although their opening hours are likely to be reduced. A full list of pharmacies and their opening times is available on the BSW CCG website: www.bswccg.nhs.uk/news-events/covid-19/pharmacy-opening-hours

Your local pharmacist is a trained medicine expert who can dispense and advise you on the safe use of prescription, repeat prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Pharmacists can also give you advice on common minor ailments without needing to make an appointment and many have a consulting room to allow for privacy.

As well as hospital emergency departments, which remain open 24 hours a day, some minor injuries units in the region will also be open to offer care and treatment. However, any person wishing to use these facilities is advised to contact NHS 111 first, either by phone or online, as doing so will help to ensure that those needing help are directed to the most appropriate service.

People contacting NHS 111 will be given a specific time for them to arrive at either their nearest hospital or minor injuries unit, which will help to reduce crowded waiting rooms and ensure those most in need are given priority. Those who feel they may have symptoms of Covid-19 should use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to check their symptoms or seek advice about what to do next.

For genuine, life-threatening emergencies you should call 999 straight away. If you need advice on where to go to access the right healthcare (and it’s not an emergency) or advice on how to treat a minor illness,then visit www.111.nhs.uk