NHS and health care services over the bank holiday weekend

Published: Friday, April 29, 2022

With the NHS remaining very busy and the upcoming May bank holiday, residents are reminded of the different ways they can access health care services, especially for non-urgent health care. 

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Search for 'find a pharmacy NHS' to find you nearest pharmacy that's open.

If you need urgent health care 

  • If it is a life-threatening emergency, then call 999 
  • If you are told to go to hospital, then you must go. The NHS will help you get the care you need. 

If you need urgent mental health care  

If you need advice from a pharmacist  

  • For minor medical problems, not related to coronavirus, many local pharmacies will be open and are able to help this weekend – although their opening times may be different 
  • A number of pharmacies in London will be open for longer hours – search for a pharmacy at www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-pharmacy 

If you think you need urgent dental treatment 

  • Call your dentist 
  • If you cannot contact your dentist, or you do not have one, use the NHS 111 online service or call if you cannot get online 
  • If an appointment is necessary, this will be arranged at an urgent dental care centre. 

If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms 

  • Stay at home and visit http://nhs.uk/coronavirus for health advice  
  • Do not go to your GP practice, pharmacy or A&E 
  • If your symptoms worsen, or you feel that you cannot manage at home, please visit the NHS111 online coronavirus service. Call 111 if you cannot get online or you’ve been told to do so. 

If you think you need advice from a GP 

  • GP services are available this Bank Holiday weekend 
  • Contact your practice online or by phone to be assessed 
  • If your practice is not open but an appointment is necessary, you will be advised of the next steps. Your appointment may be at another nearby service. 

Coronavirus vaccine 

  • Vaccine clinics remain open across Wandsworth and the whole of London, details available here – https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/covid/vaccination-walk-in-clinics/ 
  • Vaccines are available for: 
    • 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 5 years old and over 
    • boosters for people aged 16 years old and over, plus at-risk children aged 12 to 15 years old 
    • spring boosters for people aged 75 years old and over, plus people aged 12 years old and over with a weakened immune system 
    • additional primary doses for people with a severely weakened immune system aged 12 years old and over.

Health advice
For advice and support with a wide range of conditions, from diabetes to smoking cessation, along with how to access free health checks, visit the council's public health webpages