Sunderland and South Tyneside NHS Trust’s message ahead a busy bank holiday weekend
NHS patients in South Tyneside and Sunderland are being urged to think ahead of a busy bank holiday weekend.
The South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) has urged people to think ahead as a busy bank holiday weekend approaches.
The Spring Bank Holiday is set to be busy for the North East, with around 80,000 people expected to head to Radio 1’s Big Weekend at Herrington Country Park and around 40,000 people attending Sunderland AFC’s final home game on Sunday, May 24.
The weather forecast is also predicting sunshine and warm weather across the region and STSFT is calling on the public to make sure they are prepared.
‘Our teams will be on hand to help’
Dr Shaz Wahid is the Executive Medical Director of STSFT, said: “We know lots of people who live locally and from outside the area will be heading for events, including Radio 1’s Big Weekend, and people will be enjoying getting outdoors as much as possible.
“At the moment, we’re expected to have sunshine and warm days, so it’s a good idea to keep hydrated with lots of water, protected with sun cream and get as much shade as possible.
“If you think you need treatment, it’s a good idea to check out NHS 111 Online as a first port of call, as it can point you to the right place for care if you need it.
“Our teams will be on hand to help anyone who needs our Emergency Department and Urgent Treatment Centres. They always treat those who are most seriously unwell or injured as a priority.
“Others may face a long wait to be seen and could still be told they need to be seen elsewhere.”
Where to seek medical help
For most cases, people can order repeat prescriptions online - with pharmacy opening hours available at: https://www.thinkpharmacyfirst.health/.
Children’s health advice can be accessed by downloading the ‘Little Orange Book’ - you can access it via: https://northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk/media/xu2clvqq/lob_booklet_24_v1-5.pdf.
British Sign Language (BSL) speakers can make a BSL video call to 999. Deaf people can use 18000 to contact 999 using text relay, with more details available at: https://999bsl.co.uk/.
If you are concerned about how much you, or someone you know, drinks, then there is help available. You can speak to your GP, find your local alcohol support service, contact Drinkline on freephone 0300 123 1110 or Alcoholics Anonymous on 0845 769 7555.