Eurovision fans provided with health advice during their visit to Liverpool

Eurovision fans and local residents heading to Liverpool for the semi-finals and finals of the event have been given important health care and advice should they need it during their stay on Merseyside.

Around 100,000 visitors are expected to the city during Eurovision, with the semi-finals taking place on 9 and 11 May and the finals on 13 May, while Liverpool is also hosting a number of Eurovision themed events activities throughout the week.

Given the increase in population for the city over the next week, health chiefs are advising anyone needing health advice to contact NHS 111 online or call 111 if you don't have access to the internet so you can be directed to the right services, including Walk In Centres run by Mersey Care and other health options.

"We really want people to enjoy themselves in the run up to Eurovision and during the weekend itself, because it’s such an exciting time for Liverpool, and we’re so proud to be hosting this event on behalf of Ukraine," said Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside. 

"At the same time, we also want to remind people to be careful when in big crowds, or if they’re going out over the event, as the city centre will be much busier than usual, especially down by the Pier Head.  

“We’re asking everyone to please be sensible and look after one another when you’re out and about in the city over the Eurovision week – particularly as so many of our local NHS services are already very stretched at this time.”

The NHS is also keen to remind people to plan ahead when it comes to ordering any repeat prescriptions that they might need in the next couple of weeks, and to get them ordered in good time, ahead of the bank holiday and before Eurovision reaches its climax. If you are already registered to the NHS app and need medication, you can use it to order your repeat prescription yourself.

"The NHS 111 team are best placed to offer you fast advice about where to go for help, whether that’s a local walk-in centre, at your GP practice, or even at a city centre pharmacy," added Dr Lemmens "If needed, they can also book you an appointment to get seen at a local hospital A&E department as well.”

NHS 111 Online can tell you:

• Where to get help for your symptoms
• How to find general health information and advice
• Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
• How to get a repeat prescription

More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.