Many GP surgeries and pharmacies in the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area will be staying open on bank Holiday Friday (May 8th) to support patients during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Medical centres, which usually close on Bank Holidays, will now be open on Friday between 8am and 6.30pm.
Community pharmacies will also be open to support people in the area, as outlined below.
Pharmacy opening on Bank Holiday Friday
Boots pharmacy
15-17 High Street
Burnham on Sea
TA8 1NX
01278 782029
Open 11:00-17:00
Day Lewis pharmacy
Burnham Medical Centre, Love Lane
Burnham on Sea
TA8 1EU
01278 783079
Open 14:00-17:00
Tesco pharmacy
Ben Travers Way
Burnham on Sea
TA8 1EZ
01278 252000
Open 09:00-18:00
Well pharmacy
18 Victoria Street
Burnham on Sea
TA8 1AN
01278 782017
Open 09:00-12:00
Lloyds Pharmacy
22 Market Street
Highbridge
TA9 3BT
01278 783757
Open 14:00-17:00
Lloydspharmacy
Highbridge Medical Centre, Pepperall Road
Highbridge
TA9 3YA
01278 795001
Closed on Friday
Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you and your family with minor health concerns. As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.
Dr Emma Keane, GP and Associate Clinical Director of Primary Care, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The NHS in Somerset is here for you when you need us. If you need medical advice or treatment – please ring your GP surgery as usual.”
“You will initially be triaged on the phone and depending on your individual medical need you may be offered a telephone or video consultation. If you need to be seen in person, you will be. Our main priority will be supporting patients with urgent needs.”
Strict infection control measures are in place to help protect patients and colleagues if you do need to visit your GP. It’s important that you do not visit your GP practice without a pre-arranged appointment.
Primary assessment centres have been set up across the county where patients with suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) can be seen in a separate area, after assessment by the NHS 111 Clinical Assessment Service or their local GP practice.
Hospitals are open and are continuing to provide urgent care through Accident and Emergency departments. There are very clear and secure processes in place to minimise the risks to any patient, posed by the coronavirus and hospitals will only invite you in for an appointment if it’s absolutely necessary, and if you can be seen and treated safely.
“We would urge you to continue to attend any planned appointments, so you can receive the care, advice and treatment that you need.”
Where to get further information and advice
For less severe injuries, these can be treated in any of Somerset’s minor injuries units, in Frome, Shepton Mallet, Chard, West Mendip, Bridgwater and Minehead which are also open and will continue to operate as a walk-in service. Please note that Burnham’s MIU is closed.
If you need medical advice or treatment you can also call NHS 111 or visit the NHS website. You can also find advice and information from your GP practice website which links to a range of online services and, in most cases, you can order repeat prescriptions online. For children’s health advice you can also download the HANDi App, available on the APP store.
If you have a medical emergency, you should call 999 as normal, or go to your nearest A&E. You should go to an A&E if you or someone else has a life threatening emergency, such as:
• loss of consciousness
• acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
• chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
• severe allergic reactions
• severe burns or scalds
• stroke
• major trauma such as a road traffic accident
Please remember to follow the latest government advice around social distancing. Everyone should stay home in line with government guidance.
If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms (high temperature and / or a new continuous cough):
• Stay at home.
• If your symptoms worsen or you feel that you cannot manage at home, please refer to the NHS111 online coronavirus service.
• Please do not go to your GP practice or community pharmacy.
