Advice for ill over Easter holiday

9:00am Thursday 20th March 2008

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DOCTORS' surgeries in the Vale will be closed on Friday and again on Easter Monday for the bank holiday break.

However, the Urgent Primary Care Service for a GP or dentist outside normal surgery hours will be available by calling 0845 609 0669 or by contacting the surgery on the usual number.

Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health at Worcestershire Primary Care Trust said: "I would like to remind the public that GP surgeries will be closed for the Easter break and to ensure that they have sufficient medication over the long weekend.

"When we feel unwell, it is sometimes difficult to know what kind of medical help is needed and so the PCT has set out a seven-point plan to point you in the right direction."

Prepare yourself - keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet Calls NHS Direct 0845 46 47 - confidential expert health advice 24 hours a day Visit your local chemist - advice on medication and how to look after yourself, without an appointment If you need a doctor while the surgery is closed at Easter - Phone 0845 609 0669 Visit a Minor Injury Unit - for wounds, sprains, strains, possible fractures, minor head injuries, bites and stings, minor burns and scalds and everyday eye infections like conjunctivitis Visit accident and emergency - only for critical or life-threatening situations Dial 999 for an ambulance - for critical emergencies (e.g. severe chest pain, loss of consciousness, suffered a back or neck injury.

Clive Walsh, Director of Operations at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust:, said: "Easter can be a period of increased pressure for hospital services and the people of Worcestershire can help us by using our accident and emergency departments only when they really need to - when they have had a serious accident or if they have a serious illness.

"For people who do not need the services of an A & E unit, but do need some treatment or advice, there is a wide range of services locally throughout the holiday period, including NHS Direct, out-of-hours primary care services and minor injury units."

The county's minor injury units include Evesham Community Hospital and Worcestershire Royal Hospital.