With Easter fast approaching, Devon’s NHS leaders are calling on people to be prepared ahead of the bank holidays and the two-week school holiday period.

The long Easter weekend traditionally puts extra pressure on health services when most GP practices are closed and more people are outdoors enjoying everything Devon has to offer.

Most GP practices will be closed for Easter for four days from Friday 15 April to Monday 18 April, with normal opening hours resuming on Tuesday.

Each Easter sees many patients calling the NHS 111 helpline because they have run out of medication, leading to unnecessary worry for themselves and increasing pressure on busy urgent care and out-of-hours NHS services.

Dr Paul Johnson, Medical Director for NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Please be prepared this Easter to check that you have enough of your prescription medication to get you through the long weekend and any trips away that you may be planning.

“We want to ensure people are able to enjoy their trips and the Easter break without having to spend time worrying about how to access medical care if they need it. 

“The NHS is here if you need us. Contacting 111 first will get you the right treatment, more quickly. You can access the most appropriate care and advice more quickly and conveniently by calling 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk, at any time of day or night.”

People are being reminded that if they need to speak to their GP while away from home over the holidays, that they can contact their practice for an online consultation and advice during practice opening hours. This advice also applies to visitors travelling to Devon.  All GP practices now offer remote consultations, either online or by telephone, and can be contacted for advice when away from home.

For urgent advice, the message is to ‘Think 111 first’. NHS 111 can be contacted from anywhere by phone or online, at any time of day or night.

If you need further care or medication, NHS 111 advisors will direct you to the most appropriate service. They can also book appointments and check opening times for your nearest Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre. 

If you need emergency care, NHS 111 advisors will arrange for you to be seen at a local Emergency Department. They will ensure that staff in the department are expecting you and will see you as quickly as possible.