Looking after your health this Easter

We would like to remind people to be prepared and help them access care and support in the most appropriate place if they need it during the Easter Holidays.

Many GP practices and some pharmacies will close or may have different opening hours during the bank holiday weekend and our hospitals across North Wales continue to be busy. By planning ahead people can help to look after themselves and keep urgent care services available for those who need them most.

It is important to check your prescription medication and ensure you have enough to last over the bank holiday period. If you need to order more, request your repeat prescriptions and collect them in plenty of time. If you urgently need medication when your GP or pharmacy is closed, there’s information about how you can get medicines out of hours here.

For most people, common illnesses such as colds, flu, COVID-19 and norovirus will get better on their own with plenty of rest and fluids at home. You can take over the counter medication like paracetamol and cold and flu tablets to ease your symptoms. In some cases, people may experience more serious symptoms and should visit NHS 111 Wales online or call 111 for advice.

For some, bank holidays can be particularly challenging for their mental health. Support is available to help keep people well and out of crisis from sources such as NHS Wales 111 Press 2 and the CALL mental health helpline.

Tehmeena Ajmal, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Chief Operating Officer, said: “Bank holidays are always a busy time for the NHS, and taking simple steps to look after yourself and your loved ones can make a real difference.

“By keeping medicine cabinets stocked with everyday essentials, seeking advice from NHS 111 Wales online when it’s not an emergency, and using local pharmacies for minor illnesses, people can often get the care they need quickly and conveniently. We also have Minor Injury Units across North Wales that can treat a wide variety of injuries without a long wait to be seen.

“These simple steps help ensure that our urgent and emergency services remain available for those who need them most.

“Our staff will be working throughout the Easter holidays and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do. By taking these simple steps, people can play an important part in helping us care for those who are most seriously unwell.”

More information about the range of service available across North Wales can be found here.