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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Damien Edgar

GP practises to close in Northern Ireland for Queen's funeral

The Department of Health has confirmed that all GP surgeries in Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday due to the Queen's funeral being designated as a bank holiday.

The move will also affect most community pharmacies, with a pharmacy rota put in place instead.

Hospitals will also be affected, with the department saying that they will operate enhanced Bank Holiday services.

Read more: Co Down man says three-and-a-half-year wait for surgery "shows pressure NHS is under"

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: "On Monday 19 September 2022, the Trusts will be operating enhanced Bank Holiday services in order to reduce the impact on patients and service users.

"Trusts will be offering a range of services in addition to those ordinarily provided on a Bank Holiday.

"This means they will endeavour to maintain as many scheduled inpatient, day case and diagnostics services as possible with priority given to those people with greatest clinical need.

"Chemotherapy sessions will also be maintained.

"Where your care will be affected by the Bank Holiday, the relevant Trust will be in contact with you."

With regards to GP services, the department said if someone is in need of care they should contact the GP out of hours service.

It will operate from 6pm on Friday September 16 to 8am on Tuesday September 20.

For those wishing to use a pharmacy, they have been advised to check the pharmacy rota, which can be accessed here.

Those needing dental care have been told to contact their dentists, who can provide advice, prescription for pain relief or management of an urgent condition.

Those wishing to avail of an optometrist have been told to contact their local one and in the event they are closed and it is an urgent condition, to contact their nearest Emergency Department.

Regarding the social work service, a department spokesperson said: "For social care emergency on Monday 19 September, please call the Regional Emergency Social Work Service 028 9504 9999.

"You should always call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

"If you or someone you know is in distress or despair call Lifeline on 0800 808 8000."

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