Top tips for staying safe and well this Easter bank holiday
As the Easter bank holiday approaches, the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging everyone to choose well and use the right healthcare service.
Bank holiday weekends are often one of the busiest times for emergency services. Warmer weather and longer days mean many more people are out and about - enjoying time in the garden, seeing friends and family, taking on DIY projects, travelling, or visiting popular beauty spots across the region.
By planning ahead and knowing your options, you can help keep emergency services available for those who need them most.
Easter top tips and advice:
Choose the right care for your needs
Making the right choice helps you get the care you need and supports emergency services:
- Self-care - minor cuts, grazes, colds
- Pharmacy - everyday illnesses and expert advice
- GP - ongoing or persistent symptoms
- Urgent Treatment Centres / Minor Injury Units - sprains, burns, minor fractures
- 999 / A&E - life-threatening emergencies only
Plan ahead with your medicines
Don't get caught out over the long weekend - order and collect any repeat prescriptions in advance to make sure you have what you need.
Make use of local pharmacies
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals and can help with a wide range of minor conditions, including:
- Coughs, colds and sore throats
- Headaches and minor pain
- Stomach upsets
- Hay fever and allergies
Many large pharmacies remain open over the bank holiday with no appointment needed. Check your nearest pharmacy opening times here - Find a pharmacy - NHS
Contact your GP when needed
Your GP practice should usually be your first point of contact for ongoing or non-urgent health concerns. They can often offer telephone, online or video consultations - even if you're away from home.
Please be aware that many GP practices will be closed or have limited availability over the Easter bank holiday weekend. If you need medical advice while your practice is closed, you can still get help from NHS 111.
Normal GP opening hours should resume after the bank holiday.
Get urgent help from NHS 111
If you need medical advice quickly but it's not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111.
It's available 24/7 and will help you get the right care as quickly as possible.
Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111
Know when to call 999
Only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, such as:
- Cardiac arrest
- Severe bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Suspected stroke
If you have had to call us, please avoid calling back for updates unless the patient's condition worsens or help is no longer needed.
Be kind to NHS staff
Our ambulance service teams alongside other health and emergency service teams will be working incredible hard during a busy period to keep our communities safe and well. A little patience and kindness can make a big difference.
By choosing the right service this Easter, you'll help ensure emergency care is there for those who need it most while keeping yourself and others safe.