NHS leaders' Easter plea | News and events

As we approach the four-day Easter weekend and industrial action the following weekend, we’re urging the public to only use A&E for emergencies and life-threatening situations. Additionally, we encourage anyone with a regular prescription to check they have enough medication to last over the long weekend, as over 210 people contacted 111 last year when they ran out of their usual medication.

It would be hard to not be aware of the how much pressure the NHS has been under recently, and we can all do little things to help the NHS locally. These include making sure you don’t run out of your medication; using the right NHS service for your medical problem; having a well-stocked medicine cupboard at home in case you’re unwell; and using Minor Injury Units or the Urgent Treatment Centre. If you’re unsure which NHS service can help you, visit 111 online which can help you.

Here is what’s open in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough over the Easter bank Holiday weekend:

• NHS 111: If you need urgent medical support over the Easter weekend, think 111 First. NHS 111 is available online 24/7 at 111.nhs.uk and on the phone. And if you need urgent care, they will book you in to be seen quickly and safely. This could be with a GP, Urgent Treatment Centre or even at A&E; whatever is the most appropriate care for you.
• Pharmacies: Can help with a range of things including hangovers, hayfever, colds, emergency contraception, and non-prescription medication. Some pharmacies will be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday with some pharmacies will also be open on Easter Sunday.
• Minor Injury Units (MIU) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC): Can help with a range of minor illnesses and injuries such as sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites and stings. The following are open over the Easter weekend:
  • Peterborough Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), Peterborough City Hospital, Edith Cavell Campus, PE3 9GZ. Open every day from 8am-8pm.
  • Ely Minor Injury Unit, Princess of Wales Hospital, Lynn Road, Ely, CB6 1DN. Open every day from 8.30am to 6pm. X-ray services available 1pm-5pm on weekends and bank holidays.
  • Doddington Minor Injury Unit, Doddington Hospital, Benwick Road, PE15 0UG. Open 9am-5pm weekends and bank holidays; no x-ray service available.
• Mental health services: If you are feeling worried about your mental health there are number of services available, from online support at www.keep-your-head.com to Lifeline helpline. If you are in a mental health crisis, please call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent support with trained advisors.