Residents are being urged by the NHS to seek medical attention if they need it over the bank holiday weekend.

Urgent care will continue to be available over Easter, with GPs offering more appointments, for people with urgent health needs, by telephone or through video consultation – though face to face appointments will still be offered as necessary.

People can also visit 111online or call 111 at any time, where they will be asked some questions about symptoms on the website, or by speaking to a fully trained adviser on the phone.

999 should only be called if the situation is life-threatening, such as chest pain, blackouts, a serious injury, or if you think you’re having a stroke.

GP Dr Nicola Jones said:

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“Our teams are working incredibly hard to provide Londoners with the best possible care should they be unwell this Easter, with extra GPs services and more appointments on evenings and weekends.

“If you become unwell, contact your GP practice or use their website to find out what your local arrangements are, or use the NHS 111 online service for health advice. Remember that 999 should only be called if the situation is life-threatening.”

Covid-19 vaccinations will continue to take place over the weekend as well.

If you are over 50 years of age, have a health condition that puts you at greater risk, or are a health or social care worker, call 119 now or go online to book your Covid vaccination appointment at www.nhs.uk.

Dr Jones, who is also the lead GP for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in south west London continued:

“The NHS in South West London is undertaking an ambitious plan to protecting our most vulnerable residents from COVID-19 and I would strongly urge any person eligible for a vaccine to book an appointment for their first dose as soon as possible.”

If you or people you live with do not have coronavirus symptoms and you think you need advice from a GP

• GP services are available this Bank Holiday weekend

• If your practice is not open but an appointment is necessary, you will be advised of the next steps. Your appointment may be at another nearby service.

If you need urgent health care

• If it is serious or a life-threatening emergency, then call 999.

• If you are told to go to hospital, then you must go. The NHS will help you get the care you need.

If you need advice from a pharmacist that is not related to coronavirus

• For minor medical problems, not related to coronavirus, many local pharmacies will be open and are able to help this weekend – although their opening times may be different.

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If you think you need urgent dental treatment

• Call your dentist.

• If you cannot contact your dentist, or you do not have one, use the NHS 111 online service or call if you cannot get online.

• If an appointment is necessary, this will be arranged at an urgent dental care centre.

If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

• Stay at home and visit nhs.uk/coronavirus for health advice and guidance on isolation.

• Do not go to your GP practice, pharmacy or A&E.

• If your symptoms worsen, or you feel that you cannot manage at home, please visit the NHS111 online coronavirus service. Call 111 if you cannot get online or you’ve been told to do so.

• Remember that 999 is for emergencies.

About the NHS Vaccination Programme

• The NHS is inviting everyone aged 50 and over, as well as those who are at higher risk from coronavirus to get their COVID-19 vaccination. More information is available here – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

• People can use the national booking service to reserve a slot at a NHS Vaccination Centre or one of the pharmacy-led services across the country.