Medical help – cracking advice for Easter!

Cambridgeshire University Hospitals is urging residents to familiarise themselves with the medical help that’s available over the Easter holiday – and only come to A&E if it’s an accident or emergency.

The Trust, which has been extremely busy through the winter period and is currently at Opel Level 3, says useful information can be found on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group website.

It explains that NHS 111 is open 24/7 365 days a year and connects patients to a team of fully trained call advisers who are supported by experienced nurses, paramedics, and GPs.

They will ask questions to assess the symptoms, and give advice or direct the caller to a local NHS service. If necessary they can also call an ambulance or direct people straight to A&E. Calls to NHS 111 are free from a landline or mobile phone.

Pharmacies are open across the area during Easter. Pharmacies can help with a range of complaints including aches, hangovers, colds, emergency contraception, and non-prescription medication.

There is a new First Response Service (FRS) in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough which gives those in mental health crisis the opportunity to access by calling NHS 111 and selecting option 2.

The new service allows patients or carers to speak to specially-trained mental health staff who can provide advice, support, and signposting to other services. The service is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Minor Illness and Injury Units can treat a range of minor illnesses and injuries such as sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites and stings. Opening hours are as follows:

Princess of Wales Hospital
Lynn Road, Ely, CB6 1DN
Tel: 01353 656675
Monday – Friday: 8.30am-6pm
Saturday/Sunday: 8.30-6pm
Easter Sunday/Bank holidays: 8.30-6pm

North Cambridgeshire Hospital
The Park, Wisbech, PE13 3AB
Tel: 01945 468787
Monday –Friday: 8.30-6pm
Saturday/Sunday: closed
Easter Sunday/Bank Holidays: closed

Peterborough MIIU
City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough, PE3 6DB
Tel: 01733 847090
Monday – Sunday: 8am-8pm
Open seven days a week, including weekends and Bank Holidays (Good Friday and Easter Monday)

Doddington Community Hospital
Benwick Road, Doddington, PE15 0UG
Tel: 01354 637078
Monday – Friday: 8.30am-6pm
Saturday/Sunday: 9am-5pm
Easter Sunday/Bank holidays: 9am-5pm

If you need urgent dental care, contact your usual dentist as some practices offer emergency dental slots and will provide care if clinically necessary. You can also call NHS 111, who can put you in touch with an urgent dental service.