August bank holiday healthcare options
As the August bank holiday approaches, the NHS in Northamptonshire is reminding everyone how to access healthcare, if they need help urgently.
When GP practices are closed
GP practices will be closed on Monday 31 August.
If you need urgent medical help that cannot wait until your GP practice reopens, contact NHS 111. They can assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate service.
A range of NHS services will also be available over the weekend, including local pharmacies and Corby Urgent Treatment Centre.
If you develop a minor illness or injury, you can often manage it at home. If you need further advice, support is available from your local pharmacy, use NHS 111 or the NHS App. For urgent health concerns when your GP practice is closed, contact NHS 111, who can assess your needs and help you access the right care.
Pharmacies
Some pharmacies will be open on the bank holidays for advice and treatment for common illnesses. Under Pharmacy First, community pharmacies can offer treatment for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP. Full details are available on our website.
Walk-in services
To ensure patients are seen in the right place for their needs and to receive a booked appointment to keep waiting times down, it is advisable to use NHS 111 over the bank holiday weekends.
If you do want to walk into a service, you can do this at the following location:
- Corby Urgent Treatment Centre: 8am to 8pm weekends and bank holiday
Emergency departments remain strictly for life‑ or limb‑threatening emergencies only. Patients who attend A&E with non‑emergency issues may be redirected to more suitable services.
Mental health support
For urgent mental health needs:
- Call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option
- Crisis Cafes will be open as usual this bank holiday Monday:
o Northampton – Anchor House, 6/7 Regent Square, NN1 2NQ between 12pm - 10pm
o Rushden – Phoenix House, Skinner’s Hill, NN10 9YE between 12pm - 10pm.
For more information about our Crisis Cafes, visit: https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/crisis-cafe.
If you become unwell while away from home in the UK
If you are travelling within the UK and become unwell, use NHS 111
On days where GP practices are open, your own practice should still be your first port of call. They can provide online, telephone or video consultations, and arrange for prescriptions to be sent to a pharmacy of your choice anywhere in the country. If you rely on regular medication, please don't forget to pack it before you travel on holiday.