News and events

As we go in to May there are three Bank Holidays (1, 8 and 29 May) which can put pressure on NHS services.

Getting your prescriptions early and using the NHS111 service instead of going to A&E, or going to pharmacies for help with minor health issues, can make a big difference. It all helps to reduce pressure on the NHS and makes it easier for our services to respond to patients who really need them.

Advice for patients and the public:

• Please attend booked appointments as normal. You will be contacted by us if your appointment has to be changed
• For routine and minor health concerns go to your pharmacy or your GP
• If you need urgent medical help, but it isn’t an emergency, please contact  NHS 111
• Continue to call 999 life threatening emergencies

 

Pharmacy Bank Holiday opening times in May:

Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses. such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.

If symptoms suggest it's something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.

You can find details of open local community pharmacies here: nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

OR scan the QR code below to find an open local community pharmacy close to you:

Alternatively, if you do not have access to the internet, please ask a relative or friend to check for you.

Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) - Cheshunt

Our MIU at Cheshunt Comunity Hospital will be open as usual over the May bankholidays. The MIU is an ‘open access’ service that can be used by both adults and children over two years old who have sustained a minor injury. There are no appointments, so patients are seen in order of time of arrival unless their condition is more serious, for example a wound with uncontrolled bleeding or a dislocated joint or an obviously badly broken bone

Please note: our MIU at Herts and Essex Community Hospital does open on weekends and bankholidays.