People are being encouraged to use NHS 111 Online this bank holiday for help with a wide range of health problems.

The online service takes people through a symptom tracker to get people the help they need. 

NHS 111 will direct people to the most appropriate local treatment option such as self-care, a GP, a pharmacy consultation, a call-back from a nurse, or an urgent walk-in treatment centre. If people need help for life-threatening emergencies, they should still attend an accident and emergency department.

The Early May Bank Holiday coincides with a period of industrial action by nurses affecting the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Members of the Royal College of Nursing choosing to strike will walkout from 20:00pm on 30 April to 11.59pm on 1 May, affecting all areas of care.

The NHS will continue to deliver planned care where possible, especially for patients in greatest clinical need; and as with previous periods of industrial action, people should still attend their appointments unless they have been advised these have been rescheduled.

Mandy Philbin, chief nurse, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care said: “Bank Holidays are always a busy time for the NHS and whilst we absolutely want people to enjoy themselves, we also ask that people prepare where they can e.g., having enough prescription medication, keeping some over-the-counter medicines at home to help self-care, and taking care when drinking alcohol. Whether you’re working in the garden, tackling some DIY, or taking part in outdoor activities please remember to do it safely.

“With bank holiday coinciding with strike action, we would like the public to consider which services they use to help reduce unnecessary demand on our urgent care services. This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

“The NHS is here for people if they need over the bank holiday period and experienced 111 call operators will be available 24/7 to answer your concerns and direct you to the most appropriate place for your need.”

Local NHS services will be using their websites and social media channels to provide up to date information to the public about local service disruption – so please check before you travel.

With May having three bank holidays, including Monday 8th May to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and the Spring bank holiday on Monday 29 May, people should also start thinking about ordering their repeat prescriptions to make sure they have enough medication. People should order at least three days in advance and can use the NHS app or call their GP.