15 April 2025

Cheshire and Merseyside residents are being urged to go online as their first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice over the Easter bank holiday weekend (18-21 April) to help ease pressure on busy hospital services.

NHS services across the region face increasing pressure on A&E departments during the traditional break and the 111 phone service will be busy, so the public are being advised to use NHS 111 online to receive advice on the best way to access care during that time.

“This weekend and the period after it will be another extremely busy time for our 111 health advisors and clinicians and our doctors and nurses and other health professionals working in our A&Es, with a further bank holiday weekend coming up at the start of May," explained Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England, North West.

“The public can help us by using the right service for their needs, including 111 online for quick and easy medical help. It can direct people to the right service quickly, as well as providing medical advice, and helps to keep urgent and emergency services free for the most seriously ill and injured patients.”

The NHS 111 online service is already popular with people who want quick advice about the best options for getting the care they need, including getting a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, booking them an appointment in A&E, or providing advice, and works the same as the 111 phone service.

Planning ahead will also help the NHS cope with the increased demand of the Easter period, including making sure you have enough regularly prescribed medication and keeping your medicine cabinet at home stocked with essential basic medicines. This avoids unnecessary trips to GPs or A&E, including pain relief, cold and flu remedies, throat lozenges, antihistamines, and basic first aid items like plasters and antiseptic cream.

Dr Gregory added: “We' re extremely grateful to the dedicated teams across the NHS in the North West who will be working tirelessly over the coming bank holiday weekends to ensure all those that need care receive it and it is vital the public know the best way to access care during this time.

“But, in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency people should always continue to call 999 or attend A&E.”

NHS 111

For life-threatening emergencies and serious injuries, people should call 999 or go straight to A&E. For all other urgent help, or if you’re not sure what to do, contact NHS 111 by visiting 111.nhs.uk, using the NHS App or by dialling 111.

NHS 111 can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. If needed it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or provide self-treatment advice over the phone. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you have a hearing problem, call 18001 111 using the Relay UK app or a textphone, or access the British Sign Language (BSL) video service. If you need help in another language, call 111 and ask for an interpreter.

Pharmacy

Pharmacists can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help. Pharmacists may also be able to offer treatment and medicines for some conditions without the need for a prescription.

Many pharmacies will be closed or operating on reduced hours during the bank holidays, so please check to find our about your nearest pharmacy.

Urgent treatment centres and walk-in centres 

Urgent treatment centres and walk-in centres provide same-day medical help when it’s not a life-threatening emergency. Some centres will be operating under reduced hours during the bank holidays. You can search for appointments via NHS 111, or check for opening times here.

Mental health

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option to talk to a professional. You can also ring your local 24/7 mental health crisis helpline:

Dentists

If you need urgent dental help or advice, please contact your dentist in the first instance. If your dental practice is closed, or you aren’t registered at one, you can call the local dental helpline for Cheshire and Merseyside on 0161 476 9651.

NHS App

The NHS App lets you access a range of NHS services, such as managing your repeat prescriptions and viewing your GP health record, straight from your smartphone or tablet. You can download it via Google play or the App store, or access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.

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