Reminder to choose well for healthcare this bank holiday

For minor injuries and illnesses, residents are being encouraged to visit their pharmacist or go to the walk-in centre at St Mary’s Hospital, in Milton.

With GP practices closed, A&E departments and paramedics can get busy and health officials are calling on people to make the right decision on their care.

Penny Daniels, the hospital director at Care UK, which runs the walk-in centre, said: ‘This time of year is always busy, people are out and about and accidents happen.

‘With GP surgeries closed, people may also find a niggling sore throat, strain or eye infection becomes worse and needs treatment.

‘We can offer NHS patients X-ray facilities and treatment in a relaxed environment.

‘Average waiting times at the walk-in centre are generally significantly shorter than those at A&E.

‘We are seeing around 100 per cent of patients treated within the government’s targets.’

The walk-in centre, on Milton Road, is for patients with minor illnesses and injuries including suspected broken limbs, minor head injuries, strains and sprains, minor burns, ear and throat infections and coughs and colds.

It is open between 7.30am and 10pm on weekdays and between 8am and 10pm on weekends and bank holidays.

For more details on the walk-in centre visit stmarystreatmentcentre.nhs.uk.