How to access NHS services for Easter bank holiday

Advice and Information - 18 March 2024

If you need support for your health outside of the standard opening hours of your local GP, there are places that you can go for support. Some usual NHS services will be closed or running reduced hours

Where you can go to get help out of hours

The NHS pledges to provide services at a time that's convenient for you. They have produced guidance on how best to access services out of hours that can be found in full online.

  • Phone NHS 111
    This service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a service that provides medical advice as well as the details of the services closest to you that help you deal with your need following a medical assessment. 
  • Visit your local pharmacy
    Your pharmacist will be able to help you with a number of issues. Take a look at four ways that your local pharmacist can help you. Find their opening hours and check opening times using the NHS pharmacy service search.
  • Visit your nearest NHS walk in centre
    If you need treatment for minor injuries or illnesses such as cuts, bruises and rashes you can visit your nearest NHS walk-in centre, urgent care centre or minor injuries unit. These are not suitable for treating long term conditions. To be seen at one of these services you do not need an appointment, or to be registered. You may be referred to one of these services by NHS 111, or you can just walk in. 
  • Phone 0800 0234 650 
    This is for help in a mental health crisis. The service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Out-of-hours medicines

Running out of your medication during the holidays or over the weekend can be a big worry. If you run out the medication you need outside of your GP practice’s normal opening hours and need some urgently, there are a few steps you can take to get an emergency supply.  

Where you can medication from will depend on whether you already have a prescription or whether a prescription is needed. Take a look at the guidance from the NHS to find out more.

Find out more

Healthwatch Brent

If you wish to contact us during this period, you can email info@healthwatchbrent.co.uk or call us on 020 3869 9730 and leave a message. Somebody will get back to you as soon as possible when the office reopens on Tuesday 2 April.

Please note that we do not provide advocacy services, instead we are happy to signpost and refer you to other services and organisations. As well as get your feedback about NHS services in Brent.

You might also be interested in

There is a person with a glucose monitor in their right hand, their left hand is out to prick their finger. Their hands are resting on a blue background. Around their hands are pens, pencils, an apple, journal and calendar on the November page.

Diabetes information and support in Brent

If you are looking for diabetes information and support services for yourself or a loved one, we have compiled a list of support from GP referral, Brent Council and online information.
Advice and Information

Have your say to help fix the NHS

The Government has launched a public consultation for a new 10-year plan for the NHS. Read to understand the importance of sharing your views.
News

What do patients think about access to local primary care services?

We recently reached out to residents across three local boroughs (Brent, Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea) to explore patient experiences with using local GP services. Our report presents an overview of our findings and recommendations to improve service delivery.
News