NHS tips for staying healthy over Easter

Advice on staying healthy and happy over the Easter holiday period has been issued by Bath and North EastSomerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board.

Medics say that from ordering repeat prescriptions early and accessing mental health support to making the most of local services such as NHS 111 and community pharmacies, there are lots of things that people can do to help themselves – and friends and family – stay well.
Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Bath & North East Somerset,Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board said: “During the Easter holidays, it’s important to know how you can get the help you need.
"With more people mixing over the Easter holidays, keeping up to date with vaccinations is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family and the wider community.
“The easiest and quickest way to order your repeat medicine is via the NHS App or GP Online Services – from the comfort of your own home.
"And do remember that community pharmacies can help you with many spring illnesses and provide prescription only medicine to treat seven common health conditions such as sinusitis, sore throats and earache.
“Mental health support is also crucial. Remember, help is just a phone call away by using NHS 111 option 2. It’s important to reach out if you’re struggling.”
People can visit the board's Your Health website for help in accessing services.
People who rely on repeat medication should make sure to place orders now to avoid running out over the holidays.
The easiest and quickest way to order repeat medicine is via the NHS App or GP Online Services – people can do this from the comfort of their home.
For non-emergencies, people can get medical advice 24/7 by calling NHS 111 or using the 111 online service.
Local pharmacies can offer clinical advice for common spring conditions such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles, and aches and pains. Opening hours can be checked via www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-Pharmacy.
Pharmacy First is a service that allows community pharmacists to provide prescription-only medicines to treat seven common health conditions, without a visit to a GP, including sinusitis, sore throat, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
People needing emergency care should call 999 or use your nearest accident and emergency department. They should contact 111 first if you unsure whether they need to use A&E services.
Parents and carers across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire can now access an online health resource to help manage childhood illness.
The Healthier Together website offers trusted healthcare advice for families and is designed to support decision-making when children are unwell.
The site, available at healthiertogether.nhs.uk, has been reviewed by local paediatricians, GPs, and clinicians and aims to boost confidence in managing children’s health at home and knowing when to seek professional help.
Parents and carers can also contact 111, their local community pharmacy or urgent treatment centre for non-emergency care.
People can struggle with their mental health more over the holidays, whether it’s family tensions, money worries, or the stress of holiday preparations.
For local mental health support, people should visit https://bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth/health-services/
If they need urgent mental health assistance they should use NHS 111 option 2.
People needing emergency or urgent dental care should use NHS 111or visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-to-find-an-nhs-dentist-in-an-emergency/.
People can attend their local Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) or Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) for urgent non-life-threatening conditions and injuries such as sprains, fractures and burns.
Free vaccinations for Covid and RSV for eligible age groups and conditions are available at GPs, community pharmacies, and at pop up clinics. Details can be found at https://bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth/seasonal-covid-19/