Somerset health leaders are asking residents in the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area to plan ahead and make use of local services to stay well over the Easter holidays.
NHS Somerset has issued a series of tips to help people look after their health, from ordering repeat prescriptions early to knowing where to go for urgent care.
Chief Medical Officer Bernie Marden said it was important for families to be prepared as people mix more over the Easter break.
“With more people getting together, keeping up to date with vaccinations is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family and the wider community,” he says.
Residents are being reminded that the quickest way to order repeat prescriptions is through the NHS App or GP Online Services. Community pharmacies can also offer advice and treatment for more than 40 minor conditions, including providing prescription‑only medicines for seven common illnesses such as sinusitis, sore throats and earache.
Mental health support remains available throughout the holiday period, with 24‑hour help via Mindline Somerset and face‑to‑face Crisis Safe Space appointments.
For non-emergencies, you can get medical advice 24/7 by calling NHS 111 or using the 111 online service. They have trained professionals who can direct you to the appropriate care.
Community pharmacies
Your local pharmacy can offer clinical advice for common spring conditions such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles, and aches and pains. Check their opening hours via www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-Pharmacy.
Pharmacy First is a service that allows community pharmacists to provide prescription-only medicines to treat seven common health conditions, without a visit to a GP, including sinusitis, sore throat, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
Domestic abuse
Sadly, we know that cases of domestic abuse increase over the festive season. This is not just physical but also emotional abuse. In an emergency, please call 999.
For support, contact the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service or call 0800 69 49 999. The helpline is available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, including Easter bank holidays.
Emergencies
If you need emergency care, please call 999 or use your nearest accident and emergency department. Do contact 111 first if you are unsure if you need to use A&E services.
Looking after children
Download Somerset’s Handiapp with advice to help with everything from if they have a high temperature to if they are vomiting or have diarrhoea to help you look after your child. https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/parent-zone/
You can also contact 111, your local community pharmacy or urgent treatment centre for non-emergency care.
Support with your mental health
People can struggle with their mental health more over the holidays, whether it’s family tensions, money worries, or the stress of holiday preparations.
Remember, Mindline Somerset is open 24/7 on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. And with Crisis Safe Space appointments available, you never have to face mental health struggles alone.
Urgent Dental Care
If you need emergency or urgent dental care, after being assessed by NHS 111 they can direct you to your nearest dentist that can offer an urgent NHS appointment.
How to find an emergency or urgent NHS dentist appointment – NHS
Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units
You can attend your local Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) or Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) for urgent non-life-threatening conditions and injuries such as sprains, fractures and burns. For the latest information on opening hours and services, visit the UTC/MIU pages.
Spring Vaccinations
Free vaccinations for COVID and RSV for eligible age groups and conditions are available at GPs, community pharmacies, and at pop up clinics. For more information on who is eligible and where to get your vaccinations visit Vaccinations – NHS Somerset ICB
