Help is still at hand tomorrow

MOST people will be glad of tomorrow’s bank holiday in honour of the late Queen, but I know there’s concern at the number of patients who will see NHS appointments cancelled.

Many will no doubt have been waiting for months.

Even if we wanted to open our doors tomorrow, it would be tricky when other resources we rely on are shut. But if you need medical help, don’t panic.

Check your surgery’s website for out-of-hours phone numbers and local urgent care clinics and, of course, don’t hesitate to call 111 in an emergency. It is also worth checking whether any local pharmacies are open. As I’ve often said, pharmacists are more knowledgeable than GPs about many things.

And of course, if you’re really stuck, there is always A&E.

Whatever you do, don’t put an urgent health concern on hold.