There are a whole range of NHS services available across Sheffield this May bank holiday, not just A&E.

Dr StJohn Livesey, GP and Clinical Director for Urgent Care at NHS Sheffield CCG said: “If you become ill and need medical attention over the May bank holiday weekend there are a number of health services available in Sheffield.

“Please remember to keep A&E for serious and life threatening emergencies only - there are many alternatives available for less serious conditions and injuries and we encourage people to use them. And if it can wait, then GP practices will be open again as normal on the Tuesday.”

If you are unwell services available in Sheffield include:

• The GP out-of-hours service - can be accessed by calling 111, and is open on bank holidays and during holiday periods when surgeries are usually closed.
• You can visit a pharmacy for expert advice on common illnesses and the best medicines to treat them. A number of local pharmacies will remain open over the Easter bank holiday so please check with yours to see when it is open. If yours is not open the Wicker Pharmacy will be open 10am to 8pm Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday and 8:30am to 10pm on Saturday.
• The Sheffield NHS Walk-in Centre on Broad Lane treats adults and children for minor illnesses and ailments and will be open over the Easter bank holiday from 8am - 10pm. You don’t need an appointment and will be seen by an experienced nurse or doctor.
• Sheffield NHS Minor Injuries Unit (for adults over 16 only) is for less serious injuries, such as sprains, cuts and grazes. This is based at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road and is open 8am - 8pm every day.
• If someone is suffering from serious illness or injury such as choking, chest pain, severe bleeding and broken limbs, they should attend A&E.

Dr Livesey continued, “It is also important that people make sure they have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to deal with minor illnesses and accidents. Please also ensure that you have enough of all your regular medications to see you through the bank holiday.”

The CCG’s service finder FREE smartphone app is designed to help people understand which service is most appropriate for their illness, and the most appropriate NHS service to use. Search ‘NHS Sheffield’ in your app store.

You can also view all the latest information on the CCG website: www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk.