We want everyone in the East Midlands to have a healthy and happy Easter Bank Holiday, so we are reminding people to make sure they take care when enjoying themselves this weekend.
While many GP surgeries will be closed over the bank holiday, NHS111, urgent care centres and pharmacies will all be available to offer medical advice for anything that is not an emergency.
A&E departments and our 999 service will also be available over the weekend to help in a genuine medical emergency.
To avoid needing medical support, don’t forget to make sure you have enough of your medication to manage any long term conditions as some NHS services may be closed until Tuesday, 2 April.
David Williams, Deputy Director of Operations, is keen to remind patients that they will not be seen any faster if they arrive at hospital in an ambulance.
He said: “Some people incorrectly think that if they arrive at A&E in an ambulance they will be seen more quickly than if they arrived by car, taxi or public transport. This is not true.
“Every patient is assessed on their clinical need and those with life-threatening or serious conditions will be seen as a priority. If your medical concern is not serious you are more likely to be seen and treated much faster if you visit your local pharmacy or urgent care centre.
“Whilst we don’t want to dissuade anyone from calling for help if they need it, we would like to remind everyone to only dial 999 in a genuine emergency. Our priority is to help patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries as quickly as possible.”
You can find out the opening times of a pharmacy near you by visiting England NHS' website.