With Easter, fast approaching, local health professionals are reminding people to examine their options, should they or their family members become unwell over the long weekend.



Many GP practices will be closed on the bank holidays over Easter, so it is also wise for people to think about repeat prescriptions they will need before the holiday period begins.



Dr Rob Caudwell, Southport GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “There will be lots of options should you need medical assistance over the Easter bank holiday weekend, so it is important to think about what type of help you need and check what times those services are available.



“In addition to the GP out of hours services, lots of pharmacists will be open over the weekend and you can check the opening hours on our website. Pharmacists are highly qualified health care professionals who can offer free, confidential advice on a range of everyday illnesses, so it is always a good idea to think pharmacy first. If you have a healthcare need that can’t wait you can also get advice by calling 111 and their fully trained advisers will be able to point you to the right service.”



Dr Craig Gillespie, acting chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “Making sure you examine your options before seeking medical advice or treatment means that you can get the help you need, when you need it.”

Dr John Caine, a GP in West Lancashire and chair at NHS West Lancashire CCG, said: “We are reminding people about the services on offer to them such as advice on the NHS choices website and by calling NHS 111 which will be invaluable over Easter.



“Your pharmacist can also give you useful advice on how to deal with common bugs, such as coughs, colds, sore throats and the flu through self-care, so that you can take precautions and have a great Easter.”



For up to the minute information on where to go if you fall ill during the bank holiday, visit your local CCG’s website, as well as their Twitter and Facebook pages, or visit Examine Your Options: www.examineyouroptions.info



Feeling Unwell? – Examine Your Options



Across the region there are a range of health services to support people if they feel unwell or have any health concerns. There are services which you may be unfamiliar with, but could be more appropriate and convenient for you depending on your specific issue.



Pharmacy Services



Several pharmacies will be open throughout the Easter bank holiday weekend and the best way to find out which pharmacy is open and when is to visit your CCG’s website and check out their Twitter and Facebook pages for on the day updates.



Your local pharmacy can offer free, confidential and expert advice on a range of health issues. They can also help you to self-care and prepare for many common illnesses and offer advice on which medicines to keep in stock at home.



Whilst all pharmacies provide advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses and ailments, a number in Sefton offer Care at the Chemist, which ensures our most vulnerable patients who don't routinely pay for their prescriptions have free and easy access to over the counter medicines they may need without the need to see a doctor.

So reading between the lines - don't pig out on chocolate!

"CowShite" how the **** does anyone even have a jot what to do in preparation/readiness if "Maybe" they are sick?

If there is an emergency lets remind everyone "it don't bother about Bank Holidays"

Might as well give driving lessons to Ray Charles and Orbison if poss!

If u can't figure out what to do when probs arise God help mankind????

Take that back, there is 8 Billion of us, perhaps we need a breather.