Health bosses across the North East have urged the public to be prepared, think carefully about which NHS service they might need, and be cautious about what they get up to over the Easter holidays and the May bank holiday.
Dr Neil O'Brien - executive medical director of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) - said people could help the NHS by taking simple steps over the coming holidays. The top doctor said that with the NHS still under serious pressure from Covid-19 it was important for everyone to play their part.
Key advice includes stocking up on over-the-counter medication before the holidays begin and ensuring repeat prescriptions have been filled before pharmacies shut. Dr O'Brien also said people should, if they needed medical attention, consider carefully if they needed to go to A&E or if pharmacies, GPs and the 111 service were likely to be a better choice. He also urged people to enjoy the holidays but to do so safely.
