Local Health Services and Advice available over Easter across Sefton from Bootle to Southport
Easter weekend (2 – 5 April), GPs in Sefton are letting residents know where they can go for support and medical advice over the bank holidays.
Dr Craig Gillespie, GP and chair of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “As we’ve seen throughout the pandemic, local health services are still available when you need them. So, help us to help you, by being aware of the services you can access over the Easter Bank Holiday, if you or anyone you care for is unwell.”
People who need urgent NHS care across Sefton are being asked to contact NHS 111, which is staffed by trained professionals and clinicians, who will direct people to the most appropriate health service.
Dr Rob Caudwell, GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “NHS 111 will direct you to the right health service for your needs, which may include a local walk-in centre, GP practice, pharmacy or hospital.’
‘If you are assessed as needing to attend a hospital, you will get a timed appointment at a hospital emergency department. In a medical emergency, such as; loss of consciousness, stroke or serious injury, you should always call 999.”
In addition, people are being reminded to order their repeat prescriptions on time and before Good Friday, to ensure they have the medication they need.
Dr Gillespie says: ‘If you do need medication for a long-term condition, like diabetes, asthma, heart disease or lung disease, don’t leave it too late to order your repeat prescription. Your local pharmacy can offer you expert advice on a wide range of everyday health concerns if you or a loved one needs it. You can also find trusted advice about hundreds of health conditions on NHS.uk and the NHS app which provides secure access to a range of NHS services.”
Local pharmacies, walk in centres and 7 day GP services will be available to see patients, but people are being urged to check availability.
For those living in south Sefton, go to:
For those living in Southport and Formby, go to:
You can also check @NHSSSCCG or @NHSSFCCG on Twitter, or ring NHS 111.
Here is a run-down of what services are available and how you can get health advice over the Easter Bank Holiday:
NHS 111
People who need urgent NHS care across Sefton are being asked to contact NHS 111 before going to a hospital accident and emergency department.
NHS 111 will direct people to the most appropriate health service which may include a walk-in centre, GP service, pharmacy or hospital.
If patients are assessed as needing to attend a hospital, they will get a timed appointment at a hospital emergency department.
In a medical emergency, people should always call 999.
You can find a wealth of trusted advice about hundreds of health conditions and details of GPs, pharmacies in your local area by visiting www.nhs.uk. This useful website also includes a handy symptom checker.
You can also get the NHS App on the App Store or Google Play. The NHS App is the simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone and tablet.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies can offer expert advice on a wide range of everyday health concerns. If you require a repeat prescription, remember to order it on time and before Good Friday, to ensure you have the medication you need.
Some pharmacies will be open over the Bank Holiday weekend. Details of which pharmacies are open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are available below:
South Sefton pharmacies - https://www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/2021-easter-bank-holiday-opening-times-for-pharmacies/
Southport and Formby pharmacies - https://www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/2021-easter-bank-holiday-opening-times-for-pharmacies/
Please note this information is subject to change; check with your pharmacy before you visit.
Walk in Centres
Litherland Walk-in Centre is open 8am-8pm every day. All patients are being asked to call 0151 475 4667 where they will be given advice on the call and where necessary, an appointment will be allocated at the Centre.
The Urgent Treatment Centre in Ormskirk and the Walk-in Centre in Skelmersdale can treat minor injuries and minor ailments and are open 8am to 8pm each day. These centres are currently only seeing patients with pre-booked appointments. You can make an appointment by calling 01695 402180 or NHS 111.
GP services
To access a GP out of hours call NHS 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk.
Limited 7 Day Service GP appointments are available over the bank holiday period, however these must be booked with your GP before Good Friday.
Mental Health support
If you need to speak to someone over the Easter Bank Holiday, you can call the following:
• The psychological support line from Mersey Care NHS is available 8am to 8pm for those anxiety or depression due to the pandemic. Call 0151 473 0303.
• For urgent mental health and support 24/7 call 0800 145 6570. This service from Mersey Care provides access to urgent mental health support, including for those in crisis.
• Information on more support services is available at https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/contact-us/do-you-need-help-urgently/
Emergency dental treatment
For emergency treatment when your dentist is closed, call 0161 476 9651.
Covid-19 Testing
If you need a COVID-19 test over Easter weekend, below are details for testing sites across Sefton.
SMART testing centres for asymptomatic tests are available at Aintree Racecourse, Bootle Leisure Centre and at Splash World in Southport as follows:
• Good Friday – 10am until 4pm
• Saturday 3 April – 8am until 8pm
• Easter Monday – 10am until 4pm
If you have symptoms of Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive and require a PCR test call 119 or go to https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. Local testing centres remain open over Easter, but you must arrange an appointment in advance.
If you need medical advice about your symptoms visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Please note this information is correct at the time of writing and subject to change. For the latest guidance, see Sefton Council’s website.
NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG have been responsible for buying or ‘commissioning’ the majority of local health services since 1 April 2013, when primary care trusts were abolished.
NHS South Sefton CCG brings together 30 member GP practices covering an area from Bootle in the south, Hightown in the north and Maghull to the east.
NHS Southport and Formby CCG’s membership are made up of 19 GP practices.
For more information visit: southportformbyccg.nhs.uk / southseftonccg.nhs.uk or follow us on Twitter @NHSSFCCG / @NHSSSCC
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