DON’T FORGET THE HEALTH ESSENTIALS THIS EASTER

Aneurin Bevan Health Board is urging people in Caerphilly borough to plan ahead for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend to help ease the pressure on Gwent’s out of hours service.

With all GP surgeries shut for four days (Good Friday, Easter Weekend and Easter Monday), the health board is warning people not to get caught short and is advising regular prescription users to ensure they have a sufficient supply of their medication before Easter and make any routine appointments before their surgery closes.

Sian Martin from Aneurin Bevan Health Board said: “The out of hours service serves more than 600,000 people in Gwent and weekends and bank holidays are particularly busy times. We are asking people to not put unnecessary pressure on the service and help us deal with the most unwell people as quickly as possible by keeping the lines free for those patients who urgently need to speak to someone.”

The out of hours service – 0845 600 1231 - provides access to a qualified health professional for people who need urgent medical attention when GP surgeries are closed. It is open Monday to Friday from 6.30pm until 8am and 24-hours on weekends and bank holidays. For dental advice, call 0845 602 0252. People with injuries or serious conditions which pose an immediate threat to life should call 999 or visit their nearest A&E department.

If you are in doubt about dialling 999 or contacting the out of hours service, NHS Direct can provide advice – 0845 4647.