NHS services over Easter in Southport and Formby revealed

Ahead of the Easter weekend (2 – 5 April), GPs in Sefton are letting residents know where they

can go for support and medical advice over the bank holidays.

Dr Craig Gillespie, GP and chair of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG),

said: “As we’ve seen throughout the pandemic, local health services are still available when you

need them. So, help us to help you, by being aware of the services you can access over the

Easter Bank Holiday, if you or anyone you care for is unwell.”

People who need urgent NHS care across Sefton are being asked to contact NHS 111, which is

staffed by trained professionals and clinicians, who will direct people to the most appropriate

health service.

Dr Rob Caudwell, GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “NHS 111 will direct

you to the right health service for your needs, which may include a local walk-in centre, GP

practice, pharmacy or hospital.’

‘If you are assessed as needing to attend a hospital, you will get a timed appointment at a

hospital emergency department. In a medical emergency, such as; loss of consciousness, stroke

or serious injury, you should always call 999.”

In addition, people are being reminded to order their repeat prescriptions on time and before

Good Friday, to ensure they have the medication they need.

Dr Gillespie said: ‘If you do need medication for a long-term condition, like diabetes, asthma,

heart disease or lung disease, don’t leave it too late to order your repeat prescription. Your local

pharmacy can offer you expert advice on a wide range of everyday health concerns if you or a loved one needs it. You can also find trusted advice about hundreds of health conditions on

NHS.uk and the NHS app which provides secure access to a range of NHS services.”

Local pharmacies, walk in centres and 7 day GP services will be available to see patients, but

people are being urged to check availability.

For those living in south Sefton, go to:

https://www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/your-local-health-services-and-

advice-available-over-easter/

For those living in Southport and Formby, go to:

https://www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/your-local-health-services-

and-advice-available-over-easter/

You can also check @NHSSSCCG or @NHSSFCCG on Twitter, or ring NHS 111.

Services available over Easter 

Here is a run-down of what services are available and how you can get health advice over the

Easter Bank Holiday:

NHS 111

People who need urgent NHS care across Sefton are being asked to contact NHS 111 before

going to a hospital accident and emergency department.

NHS 111 will direct people to the most appropriate health service which may include a walk-in

centre, GP service, pharmacy or hospital.

If patients are assessed as needing to attend a hospital, they will get a timed appointment at a

hospital emergency department.

In a medical emergency, people should always call 999.

NHS.UK

You can find a wealth of trusted advice about hundreds of health conditions and details of GPs,

pharmacies in your local area by visiting www.nhs.uk. This useful website also includes a handy

symptom checker.

You can also get the NHS App on the App Store or Google Play. The NHS App is the simple and

secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone and tablet.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies can offer expert advice on a wide range of everyday health concerns. If you require

a repeat prescription, remember to order it on time and before Good Friday, to ensure you have

the medication you need.

Some pharmacies will be open over the Bank Holiday weekend. Details of which pharmacies are

open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are available below:

South Sefton pharmacies – https://www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/2021-

easter-bank-holiday-opening-times-for-pharmacies/

Southport and Formby pharmacies – https://www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-

and-services/2021-easter-bank-holiday-opening-times-for-pharmacies/

Please note this information is subject to change; check with your pharmacy before you visit.

Walk in Centres

Litherland Walk-in Centre is open 8am-8pm every day. All patients are being asked to call 0151

475 4667 where they will be given advice on the call and where necessary, an appointment will

be allocated at the Centre.

The Urgent Treatment Centre in Ormskirk and the Walk-in Centre in Skelmersdale can treat

minor injuries and minor ailments and are open 8am to 8pm each day. These centres are

currently only seeing patients with pre-booked appointments. You can make an appointment by

calling 01695 402180 or NHS 111.

GP services

To access a GP out of hours call NHS 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk.

Limited 7 Day Service GP appointments are available over the bank holiday period, however

these must be booked with your GP before Good Friday.

Mental Health support

If you need to speak to someone over the Easter Bank Holiday, you can call the following:

The psychological support line from Mersey Care NHS is available 8am to 8pm for those

anxiety or depression due to the pandemic. Call 0151 473 0303.

For urgent mental health and support 24/7 call 0800 145 6570. This service from Mersey

Care provides access to urgent mental health support, including for those in crisis.

Information on more support services is available

at https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/contact-us/do-you-need-help-urgently/

Emergency dental treatment

For emergency treatment when your dentist is closed, call 0161 476 9651.

Covid-19 Testing

If you need a COVID-19 test over Easter weekend, below are details for testing sites across

Sefton.

SMART testing centres for asymptomatic tests are available at Aintree Racecourse, Bootle

Leisure Centre and at Splash World in Southport as follows:

Good Friday – 10am until 4pm

Saturday 3 April – 8am until 8pm

Easter Monday – 10am until 4pm

If you have symptoms of Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive

and require a PCR test call 119 or go to https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. Local testing

centres remain open over Easter, but you must arrange an appointment in advance.

If you need medical advice about your symptoms visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-

19/

Please note this information is correct at the time of writing and subject to change. For the latest

guidance, see Sefton Council’s website.

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com