Easter and bank holiday healthcare advice

Ahead of the Easter bank holiday, and further bank holidays coming up in May, the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) has published advice to help anyone who becomes unwell during this time get the right medical care and get back to enjoying the holidays as quickly as possible.

There are changes to some opening times, but people are advised that there are still plenty of options available throughout each bank holiday weekend and they should seek help straight away.

GP practices and many pharmacies will be closed on the following bank holidays: Friday 18 April 2025 (Good Friday), Monday 21 April 2025 (Easter Monday), Monday 5 May 2025 (Early May bank holiday) and Monday 26 May 2025 (Spring bank holiday). Their normal opening hours will apply on all other days.

Minor and common illnesses

People who are generally in good health, can treat many minor illnesses themselves at home, but anyone needing advice can use NHS 111 Online or the NHS App.

Most people have a community pharmacy near where they live and they are the right place to go for advice about minor illnesses and for over-the-counter medicines. Under the Pharmacy First scheme, many pharmacies also now offer treatment and prescription medicine for some conditions, without needing to see a GP.

Pharmacies are open as normal on Saturday 19 April and people can find a list of those pharmacies that will be open on the bank holidays and Easter Sunday and their opening times at: https://leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/get-in-the-know/right-now/bank-holiday-pharmacy-opening-times/.  

When it’s urgent

For all urgent health needs over the bank holiday weekend, people are advised to use NHS111 online or they can phone 111 or use the NHS App. If necessary, they can arrange an appointment or arrival time-slot to see a nurse or doctor at a local urgent care service.

Some urgent care services can be used without an appointment, but it’s best for people to use NHS 111 instead to make sure it is the right place for them to go and to keep their waiting time down. 

The 999 service and the Emergency Department should only be used for an urgent, life threatening, medical situation, where emergency assistance is required.

Mental health advice

In a mental health crisis, people can call NHS 111 and choose option 2, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also text 0748 063 5199 and someone will get back to you within 12 hours.

Prescriptions for regular medication

Anyone who takes regular medication, or is a carer for someone who does, is asked to check they have enough to last over each bank holiday and to request any repeat prescriptions from their practice in good time. Ideally prescriptions should be requested using the NHS App, allowing at least three working days for the practice to process the request.

For more information, visit: www.getintheknow.co.uk