PPG Updates

1. What to do if you are feeling unwell this bank holiday

GP surgeries across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will be closed for the three-day holiday weekend, they are opening again on Tuesday 26 May. Anyone feeling unwell during this time and in urgent need of medical help or advice should use the NHS111 online service or call NHS 111.

A number of local pharmacies will be open over the bank holiday weekend. Pharmacists can provide quick, expert medical advice on a wide range of minor health problems and recommend the right over-the-counter medication if one is needed. We are still waiting for details of the local pharmacies which are opening over the bank holiday weekend, once these have been received we will publish them on our website.

If you are concerned that you or a member of your family may have Coronavirus don’t go to your GP, hospital or pharmacy. Instead, use the NHS111 online Covid service to check your symptoms and get advice about what to do next.

The most common symptoms for Coronavirus are a high temperature or a new, continuous cough. Other symptoms to look out for are a loss of smell or taste.

Coronavirus patients should only ring NHS111 if they are unable to manage their symptoms, have been instructed to do so or do not have access to the internet. This will allow the NHS111 telephone service to help those who need it most. Both the telephone and online NHS 111 services are free to use and offer expert medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For a serious or life-threatening emergency such as a heart attack or stroke, call 999 immediately.

2. Appointment only drive-through Testing Centre

A new appointment only drive-through testing centre opened this week at London Luton Airport as part of the government’s UK-wide programme to control the spread of Coronavirus – you can read more about it in the media release.

3. Mental Health Awareness Week

This week it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and now more than ever, it’s important to look after your mental wellbeing while staying at home. Visit Every Mind Matters for practical advice and to get your personalised Mind Plan:

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is kindness, please listen to this important message from Dr Roshan Jayalath, our Mental Health Clinical Lead, talking about why it’s important to access mental health services when you need them – click here to view the recording.

4. Eid this weekend

It’s Eid this weekend – here’s some great guidance from The Muslim Council for our Muslim communities. Please see the How to Celebrate Eid in Lockdown poster.

5. Social media– up to date news and information

We will continue to publish key public messages, news, videos and clips via social media. If you’re not following us already, please do so and help us to share key messages by liking and sharing our posts.

Bedfordshire CCG

Twitter: @BCCG5
Facebook: @bedsccg

Luton CCG

Twitter: @NHS_LCCG
Facebook: @NHS.LCCG

Milton Keynes CCG

Twitter: @NHSMKCCG
Facebook: @NHSMKCCG