Docs will not take public holidays

GP surgeries and community pharmacies are to stay open during May public holidays, health bosses have confirmed.

Doctors’practices and pharmacies have been asked to stay open, with NHS 24 operating an increased number of call handlers.

The extra opening hours will be funded by £8.2 million from the public purse and comes after health services were kept open for last month’s Easter bank holidays.

The early bank holiday falls on May 8, with the spring bank holiday on May 25.

The Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said that community pharmacies will continue to offer the minor ailment service, brought in to take pressure off GP practices during the coronavirus outbreak.

The NHS 24 helpline will also continue to operate during the holidays with more call handlers than usual.

The Health Secretary said:“Health and social care staff are already working incredibly hard to look after people during this pandemic, and I want to thank each and every one of them for their ongoing commitment and dedication during this unprecedented time.

“Last month we asked GP services to remain open during the Easter holidays and once again, we have asked them to do the same for the May public holidays.

“Community pharmacies will also be open so they can continue to provide advice and treatment through the extended minor ailment service for minor illnesses and common conditions.

“We have also taken steps to ensure NHS 24 can continue to meet the increase in demand.”

Dr Andrew Buist, chairman of the BMA’s Scottish GP Committee, added:“During this unprecedented time, GPs have been asked to keep their practices open over public holidays and, as we have witnessed recently over the Easter weekend, patients have been receptive to these changes and how we have adapted.”