As final preparations are made to mark the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, people in Hertfordshire and west Essex are reminded to plan ahead for the bank holiday Monday.
As final preparations are made to mark the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, people in Hertfordshire and west Essex are reminded to plan ahead with their medicine needs for the bank holiday Monday (19 September) and to visit the NHS website first in the event medical advice is needed.
Many GP surgeries, dentists or pharmacy services will either close or change their opening hours on bank holiday Monday. Residents who need urgent help for conditions that cannot wait until Tuesday 20 September should go to NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice or to be directed to the most appropriate local service. If you need urgent mental health support, call 111 and chose option 2 to speak to specially trained staff. Cruse Bereavement Care is also offering a helpline for anyone who needs to talk to someone at this time - visit its website for more details and opening hours over the bank holiday.
A list of pharmacies open on the bank holiday can be found online.
Patients who have pre-booked appointments with their GP surgery on Monday 19 September will be contacted directly by their practice to make alternative arrangements where needed. People who have booked their COVID autumn booster vaccination for Monday 19 September will receive a text reminder message 48 hours before the appointment. If sites have cancelled appointments for that day, people will receive a cancellation and given the opportunity to re-book. If their chosen site is still operating on that date, people will be given the option of rescheduling if they would prefer not to attend. Visit our website to find available sessions coming up.
Health advice and information is available from the NHS App, NHS website and your local GP practice website.
It’s a good idea to have a small stock of basic medicines in case they are needed for minor illness or injury. These may include pain killers, antihistamines, cold and flu remedies, anti-diarrhoea and indigestion relief. Ask your local pharmacist for advice on what medicines you should keep at home.