GP practices and pharmacies to open over the Bank Holiday weekend in Milton Keynes

This year the early May Bank Holiday starts this Friday, May 8, to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. But anyone feeling unwell on this day can still seek help from their GP surgery.

Dr Nicola Smith, chair of the three clinical commissioning groups serving BLMK, said: “Although it is a Bank Holiday the NHS is still here for you. So if you need medical help from your GP practice, contact them by phone to be assessed.”

Arrangements will differ for each surgery, so if patients need to speak to a GP they are advised to visit their practice website for specific opening hours and contact details. The surgery’s voicemail will advise callers what to do if they can’t get through.

Most pharmacies will be opening from 2pm to 5pm on Friday for anyone needing to get a prescription fulfilled or requiring an over-the-counter medicine. Pharmacies will open as normal on Saturday 9 May and some will also open on Sunday.

Dr Smith said: "If you are concerned that you or a member of your family may have coronavirus symptoms don’t go to your GP, hospital or pharmacy. Instead, use the NHS 111 online service www.111.nhs.uk/service/COVID-19 to check your symptoms and get advice about what to do next.

"Patients should only ring NHS111 if they are unable to manage their coronavirus symptoms, have been instructed to do so or do not have access to the internet. This will allow the NHS111 telephone service to help those who need it most."

Anybody with a serious or life-threatening emergency should call 999.