Bank holiday health services

May bank holidays 2023

People in Leeds are being reminded that their NHS is here for them this bank holiday, including GP appointments as well as access to emergency care.

1. 1. NHS 111
   2. Use your pharmacy
   3. Call your doctor
   4. When to call 999
   5. Mental Health

NHS 111

For accidents and unexpected health problems, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. It’s free, and is a fast and easy way for people to get the right help, whatever their health needs and whatever the time of day or night.

Callers to 111 are put through to a team of highly-skilled call advisers, who are supported by experienced nurses. They use a clinical assessment system and ask questions to assess callers’ needs and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Use your pharmacy

Pharmacists are experts in medicines and can help you with minor health concerns. You do not need an appointment to get advice from a pharmacist but to keep you, other patients and staff safe, please do not walk in to a pharmacy if you have symptoms of coronavirus.

As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.

If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example, they will tell you if you need to contact your GP practice.

Leeds pharmacy opening times

Please also check the NHS website (www.nhs.uk) and your local pharmacy website. Please note Saturday 10 April 2023 is not a bank holiday so please check with the individual pharmacy.

Call your doctor

• Although most practices will be closed, appointments with GPs and other healthcare staff are still available.
• Appointments must be pre-booked – by calling your own GP practice or by ringing NHS 111. The appointment may not be at your usual GP practice but at a nearby surgery referred to as an extended access hub.
• Most appointments will be by telephone or through video consultation, but face to face appointments are still offered if necessary, with patients being advised accordingly.

Call 999 for any of the following symptoms:

• Choking
• Chest pain
• Blackout
• Severe bleeding
• A serious injury
• If you think you’re having a stroke

Symptoms of a stroke

The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST – you must call 999 if you have the following:

• Face – face is drooping/fallen on one side, unable to smile, or the mouth or eye have dropped
• Arms – unable to raise both arms and keep them there
• Speech – speech is slurred or garbled
• Time – dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms

Mental health

MindWell provides advice about looking after your mental health, as well as where to go if you or someone you know needs support.

Find out more: www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk

For information and support for young people, visit MindMate: https://mindmate.org.uk/