How to stay well in Wirral over the Easter holidays
Healthcare leaders are sharing advice for getting the help you need in Wirral over the Easter bank holiday weekend (15-18 April) should you become unwell.
Easter bank holiday pharmacy opening times
A number of pharmacies are open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Residents are advised to check the opening times or to call their local pharmacy before travelling. Search ‘find a pharmacy NHS’ to find an open pharmacy near you or visit the NHS Wirral CCG website.
Planning ahead
GP practices will be closed on Friday 15 April (Good Friday) and Monday 18 April (Easter Monday) . Residents are urged to make sure they have enough supply of any medications they need by ordering their repeat prescriptions early and getting their medicine cabinet stocked up with essentials.
Dr Paula Cowan, local GP and Chair of NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) , said: “If you or anyone in your household, or whom you care for, rely on medication for long-term conditions, don’t leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions before Good Friday. Pharmacies may change their opening hours over the bank holiday weekend so we really would urge you to be prepared.
“Your local pharmacists can also help assess and treat common ailments. They are highly-qualified health professionals who can give free, confidential advice and help you get the right medications for everyday illnesses.”
Keep A&E free; use NHS 111
People who need urgent NHS care, but it is not a 999 emergency, are advised to contact NHS 111 which is staffed by trained professionals and clinicians who will direct people to the most appropriate health service.
Dr Cowan, said: “Although there may be changes to some local healthcare services over the bank holiday weekend, if you’re feeling unwell, NHS help is still available when you need it.
“We would advise you to ‘think 111 first’ and contact the team either by visiting www.111.nhs.uk online to answer some questions about your condition, or by calling 111 over the phone. We’re asking all Wirral residents to please think carefully before coming to A&E if they can be seen somewhere else and help keep our A&E departments free for those who are critically ill and who really need urgent care.”
People can also attend a local NHS Walk-in Centre without an appointment. Wirral’s Walk-in Centres are open seven days a week, including bank holidays. To find your nearest Walk-in Centre, visit www.wchc.nhs.uk/services/minor-injuries
Dealing with a mental health crisis or emergency
If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse or deteriorates, this can be called a ‘mental health crisis’. In this situation, it is important to get help quickly.
Wirral’s All Age Mental Health Crisis Line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people of all ages – including children and young people. Please call 0800 145 6485 and our dedicated local staff will support you to access the help you need. Other local mental health support services are available. Please visit www.cwp.nhs.uk/contact/need-urgent-help/ for further information.
COVID-19 vaccinations
Appointments are available at COVID-19 vaccination centres in Wirral over the school Easter holidays. Children aged 5 to 11 years old are now eligible for their first dose vaccination. You can book a first, second, third or booster dose of the coronavirus vaccine or manage an appointment online. Visit www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine for full details.
You can also refer to Wirral CCG’s Taking care of yourself webpage which can help you find the right health advice or treatment when you need it.