Sunderland and South Tyneside NHS Trust’s message ahead of May bank holiday weekends
NHS patients in South Tyneside and Sunderland are being urged to think about their health ahead of two bank holiday weekends.
Bosses at South Tyneside And Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust are calling on patients to prepare for the two bank holiday weekends in May.
The Trust is planning for May Day on Monday, May 4, and then the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, May 25.
Patients are being urged to stock up on any prescriptions they require and think about their health ahead of the two long weekends.
Dr Shaz Wahid, the Trust’s Executive Medical Director, said: “Bank Holidays are always a busy time for our services, so we’re asking people to make sure they are ready for the long weekends.
“GP surgeries offer an out-of-hours service, but they won’t be open as usual during these Mondays. If you need to stock up on prescription medications, get that request in now.
"Some pharmacies will be open and are useful for advice. It’s always a good idea to make sure your first aid cabinet is well stocked too.
"Our Emergency Department staff, as always, will be on hand around the clock for anyone who needs emergency care.
“We prioritise those who are most seriously ill or injured. Anyone else might face a longer wait and still be told to go elsewhere to be seen.”
Seeking health advice
Anyone who needs medical advice over the bank holidays can use NHS 111 Online as a first port of call - dialling 999 or heading to your nearest A&E should be done in an emergency.
Health advice is also available via the NHS App, the NHS website or your GP practice website.
Repeat prescriptions can be ordered online, with opening hours available at: https://www.thinkpharmacyfirst.health/.
Children’s health advice can be accessed by downloading the ‘Little Orange Book’ - you can access it via: https://northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk/media/xu2clvqq/lob_booklet_24_v1-5.pdf.
British Sign Language (BSL) speakers can make a BSL video call to 999.
Deaf people can use 18000 to contact 999 using text relay, with more details available at: https://999bsl.co.uk/.
If you are concerned about how much you, or someone you know, drinks, then there is help available.
You can speak to your GP, find your local alcohol support service, contact Drinkline on freephone 0300 123 1110 or Alcoholics Anonymous on 0845 769 7555.