Coronavirus: News from our partners – Help is available this May Bank Holiday (8 May), just contact NHS 111

News from our partners – local Clinicial Commissioing Groups (CCGs) – Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin

‘Help is available this May Bank Holiday’ (Friday 8 May 2020) say GPs in Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin.

NHS 111 will be available to contact, and practices will be open across the county during normal opening times on Friday 8 May – although you may be asked to attend a different practice if you need a face-to-face appointment.

Pharmacies will also be open between 2pm and 5pm, with some pharmacies planning to open for longer.

Residents are advised to check practice and pharmacy websites for opening times, as well as specific arrangements for the May Bank Holiday.

Also open are Urgent Treatment Centres at the Whitchurch and Bridgnorth Minor Injury Units, which have been temporarily relocated from the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Health bosses at the local CCGs are urging people not to hesitate to seek help if they have any health concerns.

Help is available either by calling NHS 111, free from any landline or mobile, by visiting 111.nhs.uk, or contacting your GP practice directly. People should only attend the premises if they have a pre-booked appointment.

Dr Julian Povey, Chair of Shropshire CCG, said:

“If you have any health concerns, please don’t put them off and risk your condition getting worse. Visit NHS 111 online in the first instance, or call 111 if you do not have access to the Internet.

“The coronavirus outbreak has meant that people are worried about catching the infection from places like GP practices, as well as not wanting to be a burden. However, we want everyone to know the NHS is still here to help.”

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Dr Jo Leahy, Chair of Telford and Wrekin CCG, said:

“Our NHS colleagues have made huge efforts to deal with coronavirus, but they are also working hard to ensure that patients can safely access essential services.

“From NHS 111 to online and video consultations, we are doing all we can to make sure patients receive the care they need and to feel confident in contacting our services for help.”