Lily O’ Connor, Director of Urgent Care, Oxfordshire said:

“Please choose well to stay well. No one wants their bank holiday plans spoiled by being unwell or though injury. But if you do fall ill, have an accident or run out of your prescription medication, there are options for help, advice and treatment.”

Community pharmacies are a great place for:

• advice about minor illnesses and conditions
• advice on how to manage your medicines.

To see which local pharmacy is open near you this weekend, please go to https://www.england.nhs.uk/south-east/our-work/pharmacy-opening-hours

NHS 111 online is available 24 hours a day, every day for clinical advice via 111.nhs.uk. The service can direct you to the right local services, put you in touch with a doctor or other health professional if appropriate, book an appointment for you at a local urgent treatment centre or minor injuries unit, or call an ambulance if necessary.

Minor Injuries Units (MIU) in Abingdon, Henley and Witney deal with injuries such as deep cuts, eye injuries, broken bones, severe sprains, minor head injury, minor burns and scalds. Please call 111 or the unit first – details available here. 

First Aid Units (FAU) can also be accessed via 111 or by calling the unit directly – see contact details here.   Please note that Bicester FAU currently has altered opening hours – see details here.

NHS 111 online, 111.nhs.uk can also help you get an emergency supply of prescription medicine at a local pharmacy if you run out over the holiday weekend.

If you are unable to use online services, call 111 free from mobiles or landlines.

Self care is a good option to treat very minor illnesses and injuries such as insect bites and stings, upset stomach, coughs and cold and small cuts and gazes. Try to stock up in advance with a range of over-the-counter medicines for common illnesses and injuries which can be treated at home.

GP practices are closed over the bank holiday.

Emergency Departments and 999 are for life threatening emergencies. If you come to an emergency department (A&E) for other conditions, you may face a long wait as priority is given to patients with the most urgent clinical need.