NHS ‘still here for you’ over bank holiday weekend, residents assured

Residents across City and Hackney are being assured that their local NHS is “open for business” over the bank holiday weekend.

People are reminded by their doctors to not wait if they need urgent medical help, following reports that A&E admissions at the Homerton Hospital have plummeted over the past few months.

GPs will be open from 8am to 6.30pm on Bank Holiday Friday, with appointments able to be made in the usual ways through websites, the NHS app or over the phone.

Dr Mark Rickets, chair of the local GP and City and Hackney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “We know that some people are worried that they might be a burden to the NHS, or that they could contract COVID-19 if they seek help for an urgent medical issue at the moment.

“I want to reassure you that we are here for you and are taking measures to keep you safe as possible from Covid-19.

“Most appointments with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional will now be via a phone call or video, and if you are told you need to see a clinician in person, the NHS has put measures in place to make sure patients are seen safely.

“Your NHS is still here for you and it’s important you get the help you need.”

Patients are being kept “as safe as possible” from contracting Covid-19 through strict infection prevention and control measures in place at GP practices and hospitals.

Residents urged to continue to attend routine appointments such as antenatal checks, sexual health advice and contraception, and childhood vaccinations as normal, unless told not to attend.

Community pharmacies in the City of London and Hackney will also be open across the bank holiday weekend, with opening hours shown on the NHS.uk website and social distancing measures in place.

Those with urgent medical needs can also visit NHS 111 online or call 111, with serious or life-threatening emergencies such as symptoms of heart attack or stroke to call 999 immediately, with the CCG adding: “If you are told to go to hospital, it is important that you go.”

Pregnant women who are worried about their own health or the health of their unborn babies are asked to contact their midwife or maternity team.

Shirley Peterson, Head of Midwifery at Homerton Hospital said: “The Homerton maternity service continues to work hard to ensure you have a safe and positive experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If you have any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us via our Maternity Helpline (0208 510 555 open 10am-6pm daily) or our Delivery Suite (0208 510 7251/ 7352/ 7353).”