Changes to local health care services on the bank holiday Monday September 19

Local people are urged to be aware of the changes to some health care services across Suffolk and north east Essex next Monday (September 19) on the bank holiday for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

• GP practices will be closed on Monday September 19 – anyone with an appointment booked for that day will be contacted to reschedule
• Most pharmacies will be closed – use the NHS find a pharmacy website for locations and opening times for those open
• NHS 111 is available online 24/7 by telephone for help and advice if you or a family member feels unwell
• Mental health crisis support is available 24/7 by calling NHS 111 and choosing option number 2. The Cruse Bereavement Support Service offers support for those dealing with grief
• Most COVID vaccination appointments for that day will be rescheduled and walk-in clinics will be closed – you should be contacted to reschedule
• West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is working through patient and staff changes being made as part of the forthcoming bank holiday and will directly contact any patients whose appointments or procedures will need to be rescheduled. Check the West Suffolk FT website for the most up to date info
• At Ipswich and Colchester hospitals (ESNEFT), more services will be running than on a usual bank holiday with an emphasis on providing care and treatment for our most urgent patients, including cancer patients and urgent surgery. They are getting in touch with patients to let them know what is happening with their Monday appointment and to rebook delayed appointments. Check the ESNEFT website for the most up to date info
• Accident and Emergency Departments and Urgent Treatment Centres remain open
• Hospitals will be participating in the national one-minute silence at 8 p.m. on Sunday and the two-minute silence at noon on Monday
• Please check you will have enough repeat prescription medicine to last over the long weekend
• Keep the medicine cabinet essentials at home, like paracetamol and sticking plasters, so you are ready to deal with minor illness and injury

GP practices, pharmacies and COVID vaccination clinics will open as normal on Tuesday September 20.