Your CCG newsletter

How to get healthcare help this Jubilee bank holiday weekend

As Sefton residents prepare to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, we are sharing information on how to get healthcare help while enjoying the long bank holiday weekend.

Think 111 first

Anyone in need of urgent NHS care, but it is not a 999 emergency, is advised to contact NHS 111 which is staffed by trained professionals and clinicians who will direct you to the most appropriate health service, including appointments with a GP outside of your practice’s regular opening hours.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even on bank holidays.

You can visit 111.nhs.uk online or call 111 over the phone to get healthcare support. You can also call 18001 111 on a textphone.

Plan ahead

Pharmacies and GP practices may change their opening hours over the bank holiday, so it’s best to be prepared and plan ahead.

Your local pharmacists are highly qualified and can give free, confidential advice on many healthcare concerns, as well as help you get your medicine cabinet stocked up with treatments for common ailments.

Jubilee bank holiday pharmacy opening times

A number of pharmacies in Sefton are open on the bank holiday Thursday and Friday. Opening times for these pharmacies can be found here. Residents are advised to call ahead to their local pharmacy before travelling, to confirm that they are open as advertised.

Booking GP appointments

Anyone registered with a GP surgery in Sefton can book a routine, non urgent evening and weekend appointment with a doctor, practice nurse or other healthcare professional through the ‘GP Extra’ service in south Sefton. The opening hours for these services over the bank holiday weekend are:

GP Extra - Litherland Town Hall, Hatton Hill Rd, Litherland

Thursday 2 June: 10am-1pm

Friday 3 June: 10am-1pm (Physiotherapist available 7pm-8pm)

Saturday 4 June: 10am-1pm

Sunday 5 June: 10am-1pm

Patients can pre-book routine appointments with these services by calling their own GP practice during their usual practice opening hours. Find out more about the ‘GP Extra’ service and their usual opening hours here.

Research suggests that some dads, mums or care givers can lose control when infant crying becomes too much. Some go on to shake a baby, with devastating consequences.

NHS leaders are advising parents and carers to remember ‘ICON’:

I – Infant crying is normal

C – Comforting methods can help

O – It’s OK to walk away for a few minutes if your baby is safe

N – Never, ever shake a baby

Abusive head trauma (AHT) – also known as 'shaken baby syndrome' – can cause brain injuries, which can lead to death, or significant long-term health and learning disabilities. AHT can occur in any environment when a parent or carer struggles to cope due to infant crying.

The ICON programme provides guidance on how to cope with crying babies, tips for comforting infants and advice for staying calm and relaxed. You can also download and fill in your own ‘coping with crying’ plan from the ICON website, to plan ahead and know what to do when infant crying feels overwhelming.

Visit the ICON website to find advice and resources for parents and caregivers on coping with crying: www.iconcope.org/parentsadvice 

Sefton residents aged 11 to 19 can send a message, anonymously if they wish, to their school nurse to get confidential help and advice about a range of health concerns, including emotional health, sexual health, relationships, alcohol, drugs and bullying.

The new service is available Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 9am to 4.30pm. Each message sent to the dedicated number, 07312 263 291, will receive an automated reply and a specialist community public health nurse will reply within 24 working hours.

Read more here.

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