Leeds residents are in for a treat this week, as the Tour de Yorkshire winds its way around our region, ending in the city on Sunday 6 May, followed by a bank holiday on Monday 7 May.
With an estimated one million extra people visiting the area, Leeds health professionals are reminding everyone of the range of health services available in case you do fall ill over the bank holiday weekend.
Dr Simon Stockill, Medical Director of Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “as the Tour is coming through Leeds on Friday and Sunday, there may be road closures near where you live and extra traffic in surrounding areas, so we’re asking people to plan ahead and be prepared over this exciting weekend.
“Make sure you have plenty of medical supplies in the house, for example some simple pain-killers, a paediatric paracetamol mixture for children and enough of any regularly prescribed medications to see you through the long weekend.
“If you’re going to be out watching the cycling for any length of time, plan accordingly for the weather, especially if you are going with young children or older people. If you take regular medication, make sure you take it as normal.”
If you or someone in your family becomes ill over the long weekend, it’s vital to choose the most appropriate NHS service, so additional pressure is not put on our busy hospitals. Here are our top tips:
- Where possible self-care (for common accidents and illnesses), and remember you can always seek advice from NHS 111 which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on, or alternatively you can visit NHS Choices at nhs.uk
- Don’t forget you can also speak to your local pharmacist, who can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints.
- Some GP practices across Leeds will be offering extended opening hours over the bank holiday. Please check with your practice for details.
- For more urgent medical problems that can’t wait to see a GP – for example cuts, bites, stings, muscle or joint injuries and sprains; children with high temperatures; people with breathing problems; bladder and other painful infections; abdominal pain; severe headaches; worrying worsening of a long term condition.
- Wharfedale Minor Injuries Unit, Newall Carr Road, Otley LS21 2LY. Open 8am – 11pm; Fridays 8am – 9:30pm
- George’s Centre, St. George’s Road, Middleton, Leeds LS10 4UZ. Open 8am – 11pm
- Shakespeare Medical Centre, 1 Cromwell Mount, Burmantofts, Leeds LS9 7ST. Open 8am – 8pm.
Accident & Emergency (A&E) is only for the most urgent care such as serious accidents or medical emergencies.
To find a pharmacy or other health services that can help, please visit https://www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/health/services/feeling-unwell/