Posted on: 7 April 2025
With the Easter bank holidays approaching, the NHS in West Yorkshire is reminding people to get prepared, as services are expected to be busy. Most GP practices and some pharmacies will close or may have different opening hours. Hospitals across the country continue to be busy but by planning ahead you’ll help keep services available for those who need them most.
There are two bank holidays coming up: Good Friday on 18 April and Easter Monday on 21 April. During these bank holidays appointments with GPs and other healthcare professionals will still be available for urgent issues but this may not be at your usual GP practice.
Appointments must be pre-booked by calling your own GP practice or by using NHS 111 online or calling 111.
It’s important to check your prescription medication and ensure you have enough to last over the bank holiday period. If you need to order more, request your repeat prescriptions and collect them in plenty of time. You can do this via the NHS App or find guidance on how to order a repeat prescription on the NHS website.
If you urgently need medication when your GP or pharmacy is closed, there’s information about how you can get medicines out of hours on the NHS website.
For most people, common illnesses such as colds, flu, COVID-19 and norovirus will get better on their own with plenty of rest and fluids at home. You can take over the counter medication like paracetamol and cold and flu tablets to ease your symptoms. In some cases, people may experience more serious symptoms and should visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice.
Don’t get caught out over the bank holiday if you do feel unwell. Make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked with antiseptic cream, paracetamol, ibuprofen and rehydration solutions. If you have young children, consider anything specific they might need too, such as a thermometer and a liquid form of paracetamol. Parents and carers of young children can also find health advice on the West Yorkshire Healthier Together website.
For some, bank holidays can be particularly challenging for their mental health. Don’t wait until you’re in a mental health crisis to seek support. You can now be signposted to relevant mental health services via NHS 111 online or by calling 111, or find more information at Mental health - NHS - Together We Can. If you can, check in on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours who may be feeling isolated.
Remember, if your condition is life or limb threatening, call 999 immediately or visit your local Emergency Department (A&E).
Dr James Thomas, GP and Medical Director, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said: “NHS staff will be working incredibly hard over the bank holiday period, with many giving up time with their families to care for others. You can help ease the pressure on our services and staff by being prepared, particularly by ordering any prescriptions you may need in advance.
“If you need urgent medical help during the bank holidays, the NHS is here for you. But if it’s not an emergency, I’d advise using NHS 111 online or calling 111 first to make sure you find the right service and keep our emergency services free for those who need them most.”