Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB
The NHS is reminding local people that a wide range of health services remain open and available for everyone this Easter holiday, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
By choosing the right service, you can get to the right care at the right place at the right time, while helping ensure urgent and emergency services are there for those who need them most.
Dr Stephen Shortt, Deputy Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire said: said: “The Easter break and early spring is traditionally a time when people spend more time outdoors, with trips away, mixing with others, working on the garden or spring cleaning.
“We want people to have a safe and enjoyable Easter break, but we know that illness or accidents can happen. When they do, the NHS is there for you.”
If you want expert advice or you are unsure which NHS service is best for what you need, NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with help on what to do and where to go. Just search NHS 111 or call 111 to speak to someone.
Your local pharmacy is also a great first stop for less serious illnesses.
Kevin Walker from Clipstone suffered a nasty insect bite whilst working in the garden but was able to access treatment at a local pharmacy. He said: “I got this nasty insect bite that turned infected, and I was dreading trying to get a doctor’s appointment, but I saw the pharmacist who was absolutely brilliant.
“He took a look, asked me some questions, and straight away, he knew what I needed. I got the right medication there and then, no doctor’s appointment needed!
“It was so quick and easy, and Imran (the pharmacist) was incredibly helpful and reassuring. Honestly, Pharmacy First is a game-changer.”
Many common illnesses – including colds, coughs, flu, earache, and sore throats – can be safely managed at home with rest, fluids, and over‑the‑counter remedies. For advice on children’s health and wellbeing you can get advice on the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire website: notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-services/childrens-health-and-wellbeing on what to look out for, when to monitor symptoms at home, and when to seek help.
The NHS App gives you trusted NHS guidance for hundreds of conditions, access to NHS 111 online, and the ability to:
Pharmacists are trained clinicians who can offer advice, recommend treatments, and, through Pharmacy First, provide some prescription medicines without needing a GP appointment. Pharmacy First can help children and young people with earache (ages 1–17); impetigo (age 1+); infected insect bites (age 1+); sinusitis (age 12+); and sore throats (age 5+).
Get more information about Pharmacy First and other NHS services available at your local pharmacy
Find out the opening times of pharmacies in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
If you’re unsure what service you need, NHS 111 is available online or by phone, day and night. NHS 111 can:
For persistent symptoms, chronic pain and other health concerns, your General Practice team is here to help. GP practices offer telephone, online, and face‑to‑face appointments with GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Practices are open until 6.30pm and all now offer online as well as telephone access during opening hours. Outside these hours, simply use NHS 111 online or by phone.
For injuries and illnesses that need urgent attention but aren’t life‑threatening – such as sprains, minor fractures, burns, or skin infections – you can visit your nearest Urgent Treatment Centre:
If you need urgent dental treatment, call NHS 111. You do not need to be registered with a dentist to get emergency help.
Visit the NottAlone website for mental health advice, support and services. If you have an urgent mental health issue, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 and select option 2.
