Barts Health urges Londoners to stock up and stay safe this bank holiday weekend | Our news

This bank holiday weekend (28-30 August), Barts Health NHS Trust is asking those living in north-east London to make sure they have enough supply of their medications, follow government advice on coronavirus and know how to contact NHS 111 if urgent care is needed.

People living in the capital are being urged to plan ahead by ordering any necessary prescriptions ahead of changes to the opening hours of GP surgeries and pharmacies this bank holiday weekend.

People in north-east London will continue to have access to a range of healthcare services and those with urgent medical issues can contact NHS 111 to speak to a fully trained advisor, 24 hours a day, who can advise on local NHS services, connect patients to a medical professional, arrange appointments and offer self-care advice as needed.

Accident and Emergency departments (A&E) are for seriously ill people with life threatening conditions, so health leaders are asking Londoners to use alternative health services such as NHS 111 if the issue isn’t an emergency.

You can get an appointment with a GP from 8am to 8pm on the Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday Monday, 30 August.

Out of hours GP appointments are also available every weekday evening between 6.30pm and 10pm and every weekend between 8am and 8pm.

If you live in the City of London, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest or Newham you can book these appointments by calling your own GP practice as usual during working hours or by calling 111 out of hours.

Alistair Chesser, Group Chief Medical Officer at Barts Health NHS Trust, said:

“All our hospitals are extremely busy at the moment but we are here to look after those who need our help.

“Please use 111 so we can ensure everyone gets the care they need. This will allow us to ensure our emergency departments are able to focus on those who need their expertise.”

Dr Helene Brown, GP and medical director of System Improvement & Professional Standards for the NHS in London, said:

“It is important to remember that if you need medical help the NHS is here for you, including on bank holiday weekends. There are a number of ways to access medical advice and it is essential to choose the right service for your needs.

“To stay well over the bank holiday, we encourage you to plan early where you can. Collect any medication prescriptions needed ahead of the weekend and follow health advice to keep yourself and others safe from coronavirus.”

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