GP practices and pharmacies in Sheffield opening over the Easter weekend to ease pressure on hospitals

GP surgeries in the city are usually closed on bank holidays but will be offering appointments on Good Friday, April 10, and on Easter Monday, April 13.

They will be closed on Saturday and Sunday as usual, with anyone needing urgent care on those days advised to use the Walk In Centre on Broad Lane.

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Dr Terry Hudsen, GP and chairman of NHS Sheffield Clinical Commission Group (CCG), said: “Since the outbreak of coronavirus, GP practices across Sheffield have rapidly adapted to working in new and innovative ways to make sure patients are still able to access GP services. To help prevent the spread of coronavirus in the city and create as safe an environment as possible, practices have moved to a telephone triage system.

“Patients can still access the services that they need but the services are being delivered in a slightly different way – by telephone or video conference where possible. Face-to-face appointments will be offered where absolutely necessary but we are trying to keep people from physically coming to the practice as much as possible. This is to keep patients and staff as safe as possible.

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“Practices will be operating as usual on Good Friday and Easter Monday as we want to ensure those who need care from their GP have that option available and don’t turn up to A&E unnecessarily.”

Anyone needing to see a GP or practice nurse for something other than coronavirus should contact the usual number for their practice, which will arrange a telephone triage.

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To help prevent the spread of coronavirus, selected practices across the city are seeing only patients with suspected COVID-19 symptoms. Staff there will be wearing full protective equipment for their safety and that of their patients, and the premises will be given a deep clean between each appointment.

Other practices will see patients who aren’t showing coronavirus symptoms and haven’t knowingly been in contact with those that have.

Dr Hudsen added: “Please follow government guidance – stay home and save lives. The main symptoms of coronavirus are a continuous, new cough and a high temperature. If you have these symptoms it’s really important that you don’t go to places like your practice or pharmacy. Instead, use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service at https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ – only call 111 if you're unable to get help online.”

For a list of Sheffield pharmacies open over the bank holiday weekend, visit https://bit.ly/SheffieldPharmacyEaster20.

What should I do if I have a medical need not related to coronavirus?

Do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

Use the NHS website or your GP surgery website.

If after using these websites you think you need to see a GP or nurse, telephone your practice, which will triage you by telephone and offer an appointment if deemed necessary.

For urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service – only call 111 if you're unable to get help online.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance.