The local NHS is reminding people that they can still access urgent care over the Bank Holiday weekend at any time – including on Bank Holiday Monday (30 August 2021) when GP practices will be closed.

Patients needing a face-to-face appointment with a health professional are being asked to contact NHS 111 First, who will help direct people to the most appropriate service for treatment.

NHS 111 is staffed by a team of trained professionals and clinicians who will provide instant over the phone triage, and can offer pre-booked face to face appointment slots with an out of hours GP, or a local hospital A&E department if required.

This system is in place to help ensure patients get the care they need as quickly and easily as possible, and will also enable them to safely socially distance while they wait to be seen.

However, people should still dial 999 as normal in a medical emergency, when someone is seriously injured, or their life is at risk.

Alternatively, patients can also attend a local NHS Walk-in Centre. They are open from early until late (8am-8pm) – seven days a week. You can find your nearest Walk-in centre and book an appointment now by calling: 0300 100 1004.

All of the Liverpool NHS Walk-in centres now also have a specialist paediatric nurse on duty at each site, who can provide treatment and care for under 16 year olds – providing added peace of mind for parents and carers.

To access NHS 111, go to 111.nhs.uk or dial 111 at any time – it operates 24 hours a day, every day.

BSL users can use the NHS 111 video interpreter service by going to www.interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111.