Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership have issued pharmacy opening times across the area this Easter.
As the long weekend approaches, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) says there are proactive steps we can all take to ensure our healthcare needs are met.
Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Lead at NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB said: “Given the closure of many GP practices over the long bank holiday weekend and alterations to the usual pharmacy schedules, it’s crucial for people to be well-prepared.
“If you take regular medication, ensure you order your repeat prescription well in advance to avoid running out. As Easter approaches, pharmacies become very busy, and processing times may be longer than usual.
“The quickest and easiest way to order repeat medicine is via the NHS App – you can do this 24/7 from the comfort of your own home, without having to leave the house.
“Before ordering repeat prescriptions, make sure to check the medicines you already have at home and only order what you need.
“You can also prepare for the Easter weekend by keeping a medicine cabinet at home, with common remedies like paracetamol, ibuprofen and anti-diarrhoea tablets – just in case you need them.
“A wide range of common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest. Often there is no shortcut to recovery – in many cases these things just need to run their course.
“If you do become unwell and need advice or help, pharmacies can deal with lots of minor ailments. If you feel it’s something a little more serious – including dental emergencies – NHS 111 will help direct you to the help you need. You can call 111, search NHS 111 online, or via the NHS App.
“We would never discourage anyone from coming forward to seek help when they’re unwell, but we would ask people not go to A&E unless it’s a genuine life and limb emergency. Hospital emergency departments tend to be very busy over public holidays, and we want to ensure critical services aren’t being taken up by people with minor illnesses who could easily get help or treatment elsewhere.”
Your Top 10 Easter Tips
- Prescriptions: order in good time
People who rely on regular medications are advised to order their prescriptions ahead of time. Ordering prescriptions in advance ensures that medications are available when needed, preventing any interruptions in treatment during the bank holiday weekend.
- Self-care: stock your home medicine cabinet with over-the-counter remedies
Being prepared with items like paracetamol, ibuprofen, indigestion tablets, and creams to treat stings and bites could save you a trip to a pharmacy if you become unwell.
- Think Pharmacy First: visit your nearest pharmacy for minor ailments
Pharmacists are trained professionals, and patients can now access treatment for seven common conditions without needing to see a GP. Pharmacy First is part of a national NHS programme that allows community pharmacists to assess and treat patients for several common conditions, including sore throat, earache, sinusitis, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women, where clinically appropriate. This also enables GP practices to refer patients directly to trained community pharmacists for assessment and NHS‑funded treatment for a range of common conditions, helping people receive care closer to home while supporting access across primary care.
Jane from Church Avenue Surgery in Harrogate explains how referrals are made and how the pathway supports patients to receive advice and treatment quickly, while Chelsea from Stokesley Surgery shares how Pharmacy First is helping practices manage demand and ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care.
- Click here to find your local pharmacy’s opening hours.
- Talk before you walk: use NHS 111
NHS 111 – online, over the phone or via the NHS App – is free to use and will help connect you with the right care over the Easter weekend if you do become unwell. They may suggest visiting a local pharmacy, or if it’s something a little more serious they may direct you to your nearest Urgent Treatment Centre or GP out-of-hours service. Humber and North Yorkshire ICB worked with Yorkshire Ambulance Service to produce this video answering your most common questions about NHS 111.
- Let’s Get Better: find the right care
If you do become unwell over the bank holiday weekend, you can visit the Let’s Get Better website for information about health services you can access. The website also offers information on self-care and how to treat minor illnesses and injuries, such as sore throats, grazes, and hangovers, at home.
- In an emergency: call 999
In medical emergencies that could be life or limb-threatening, such as a heart attack, stroke, severe blood loss, or choking, please do not hesitate to call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
- Run out of medicine: call 111 of visit a pharmacy
If you have run out of prescribed medicine and need some urgently, there are a few ways to get an emergency supply, including out of hours. You can call NHS 111 to discuss your options – or visit a pharmacy. Pharmacies can provide certain emergency medicines to patients even if they don’t have a prescription, though you may need to pay.
- Urgent mental health need: 24-hour advice and support
You may need urgent help for many reasons. The important thing to know is you will not be wasting anyone’s time. You can find an urgent mental health helpline in your area by calling NHS 111 ad selecting ‘option 2 ‘for menta health.
- Seeing a dentist: in an emergency or out-of-hours
If you need dental treatment in an emergency, contact your dental practice if you are registered. If you are not registered with a dentist, contact NHS 111. If you’re in pain while waiting to see a dentist, take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. NHS 111 can also offer other self-care advice. Only go to A&E if you have:
- heavy bleeding
- injuries to your face, mouth, or teeth
- severe swelling, or increasing swelling of your mouth, lips, throat, neck or eye
- Download: get the NHS App
The NHS App gives you a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services. Download the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet via the Google Play or App store.
Here are some great ways to spend your Easter break:
- Stay Active: Engage in physical activities like walking, cycling, or even gardening. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and keep your body healthy.
- Connect with loved ones: Spend time with family and friends. Social connections are important for mental well-being.
- Relax and unwind: Take some time to relax and do activities you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness.
- Eat healthily: Enjoy the Easter treats, but also make sure to include nutritious foods in your diet to keep your energy levels up.
- Get enough sleep: Ensure you get plenty of rest to recharge your body and mind
People are also reminded that planned industrial action by resident doctors is due to take place shortly after the Easter bank holiday. NHS services across Humber and North Yorkshire have robust plans in place to ensure patient safety and maintain emergency and urgent care services.
During periods of industrial action, some non‑urgent appointments or procedures may be rescheduled. Anyone with a booked appointment should attend as normal unless contacted directly by the NHS. The public is encouraged to continue using services appropriately, including NHS 111, community pharmacies and urgent treatment centres, and to only attend A&E for serious or life‑threatening emergencies.
