21/05/2026
Families heading into the half term and late May bank holiday weekend are being encouraged to check which healthcare services are available locally before travelling or seeking treatment. With NHS services expected to be busy over the long weekend, planning and knowing which services are available can help people access care more quickly and appropriately.
Several pharmacies will remain open to support you during the bank holiday across Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Opening times may vary, so people are advised to check with their local pharmacy before visiting.
Through the Pharmacy First scheme, many community pharmacies can now provide advice, treatment, and prescription medication for a range of common conditions without the need for a GP appointment. These include shingles, sore throats, earaches, sinusitis, infected insect bites, impetigo and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Dr Tom Bertram, GP and our Clinical Director for Primary and Local Care, said: “Bank holiday weekends can be particularly busy for healthcare services, especially urgent and emergency care. With the half term holiday also on the horizon, we know families will be planning trips to visit family, friends and different places, and it’s helpful to know help is at hand. The Healthier Together app offers trusted advice on a wide range of common childhood illnesses and symptoms.
“Community pharmacies are a quick and convenient way for people to access advice and treatment for many minor illnesses and conditions, especially if children get any cuts or bumps while out and about. If you are unsure which service is right for you, NHS 111 online is available 24 hours a day and can help direct you to the most appropriate support.”
Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) across the region will also be open to support people with urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. UTCs can often offer shorter waiting times than Emergency Departments and are in Andover, Gosport, Lymington, Petersfield, Portsmouth, Southampton and on the Isle of Wight.
Anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option to speak to a trained professional. Anyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight experiencing a mental health crisis can also text ‘HANTS’ to 85258 to access free, confidential support from Shout’s trained volunteers, 24 hours a day.
As always, in a life-threatening emergency people should call 999 or attend their nearest Emergency Department.
