Health leaders at NHS Hull CCG have hatched five great ways to have a happy and healthy Easter break.
1/. Do something new
Trying new activities and finding things you enjoy can improve low mood and help your emotional wellbeing, especially if you get to spend time with friends or family. With the City of Culture celebrations in full swing; there’s never been a better time to try something new.
The Hull2017 website is filled with art exhibitions, film showings, talks, plays and many other cultural events. What’s more; lots of these are free to visit and are suitable for the whole family.
Hull also has a number of excellent museums, like the recently reopened and wildly popular Ferens Art Gallery or the Hull and East Riding Museum, where you can find out about the history of our city, from dinosaurs to Vikings!
2/. Know where to go
It’s fun to hunt Easter eggs, but finding a healthcare service in a pinch doesn’t have to be a game of hide and seek. The CCG wants people to know which services are open over the bank holiday weekend.
As always, most GP surgeries will be closed, but there are still services that can offer help or advice if you, or someone you know, become unwell:
Self-care:use over the counter remedies to treat coughs, colds and stomach upsets.
Pharmacy: visit your local pharmacist, they can offer free advice on illnesses and advise which medicines to take; no appointment is needed.
Minor Ailments Scheme:if you do not pay for prescriptions or for children under 16 years old, your local pharmacist may be able to prescribe medicines free-of-charge without you having to see a Doctor. Ask at your local pharmacy for further details.
NHS 111:for non-emergencies call 111, free from landlines or mobiles, for quick medical advice.
Bransholme Health Centre Minor Injuries Unit (MIU):The MIU based at Bransholme Health Centre is now open 24 hrs a day, this includes over the bank holiday weekend. It can treat injuries such as cuts, bites, sprains and scalds; no appointment necessary.
GP Walk in centre:Story Street Medical Practice will be open to registered and unregistered patients with or without an appointment, from 8am – 8pm over the bank holiday weekend.
3/. Get out and about
We all know that exercise helps us to be both happier and healthier. Even simple activity, like walking for a few hours each day, can have a positive impact on your life. With predictions pointing to the warmest Easter for some time, this bank holiday is the perfect chance to get out and get exploring.
Why not walk, jog or cycle and experience the sights of Hull? The ‘Weeping Window’ sculpture sees hundreds of handmade poppies pour from the Maritime Museum in Hull City Centre.
Nearby, Humber Street has quickly developed as an exciting place to visit, with several free galleries and its position on the Marina making it a perfect place for a walk.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, there are weekly running and cycling groups at parks all around the city. You can just drop by and join in. Find local groups here: http://hullccg.org/pages/exercise
4/. Stock up
Don’t caught short of medication this Easter Bank Holiday. Make sure you order and pick up any prescriptions you need in plenty of time before your GP or regular pharmacy closes.
It is also worth stocking your medicine cabinet with over-the-counter essentials, like painkillers, indigestion relief or hay fever tablets. This will help you care for some of the more common ailments at home.
If you find yourself in a pinch, there will be a few pharmacies open over the Bank Holiday. Discover which pharmacies are open and when by visiting the NHS Hull CCG website: http://hullccg.org/pages/bank-holiday-pharmacy-opening-times
5/. Help our A&E
Easter can be a very busy time at the A&E department. With this in mind NHS Hull CCG is asking people to remember that emergency services are for those in life-threatening situations.
This Easter, help us to protect our vital services by making sure you only visit A&E in a critical emergency.
If you have a cut that needs stitching, a sprain, scald, insect bite, eye complaint or any other minor injury, then please visit Bransholme Health Centre instead. The Minor Injuries Unit there is now open 24 hours a day and will be able to care for you quickly and effectively.
Find out more about local health services in Hull.
