THE NHS has announced their top tips for Hampshire residents if they fall unwell over Easter.

Over Easter, the NHS is expected to face additional strains.

It has offered six tips to get the best care and appropriate support for your health. 

READ MORE: Basingstoke pharmacy opening times over Easter 2023

They are:

  • Please remember - the Emergency Department (ED) is for emergencies only, not convenience.
  • Contact 111 online and let the experts help you I you are not sure on what is the most appropriate help for you.
  • Urgent treatment centres in Portsmouth, Gosport, Petersfield, Southampton, the Isle of Wight and Lymington and the Minor Injuries Unit at Andover are best for minor injuries.
  • Use the expert help available at dozens of pharmacies which will be open over the three-day bank holiday.
  • Look after yourself – being ready to care for yourself can be a great help by visiting .nhs.uk/ or by clicking here..
  • Make use of online help – try nhs.uk for health and medicines advice and what0-18.nhs.uk/ if you are concerned about an unwell child.

Dr Matt Nisbet, a GP and clinical lead for NHS Hampshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Easter is likely to be another busy time for the NHS, with our teams again facing significant challenges.

“Everyone will be trying to help the people who most need their help be they ambulance crews, 111 call handlers or the clinical teams in our network of urgent treatment centres and minor injuries service.

SEE MORE: Andover pharmacy opening times over Easter 2023

“We are again asking people to help us to help them by ensuring you make good decisions about the help you might need if you are ill or suffer an injury, so please don’t just pitch up at our hospital emergency departments as you might get redirected to somewhere more appropriate for your needs."

Dr Nisbet also reminded people who are on repeat medication to ensure they have enough supplies to get them through the bank holiday.

  • To find out what pharmacies are open near you in Hampshire click here.