Published on: 20 May 2025
Support your NHS – that’s the call from healthcare leaders as they get ready for a busy Bank Holiday and play-off weekend.
Saturday will see Sunderland AFC head to Wembley Stadium for the Championship play-off against Sheffield United.
It is also a long weekend for many, with Bank Holiday Monday on May 26.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is preparing for a busy few days and is urging people to prepare so they can help look after themselves if they become unwell or suffer a minor injury.
Dr Shaz Wahid is the Trust’s Executive Medical Director.
He said:
"The Bank Holiday weekends are always a busy time for us and we are once again urging people to make sure they are prepared.
"While GP surgeries offer an out-of-hours service, they won’t be open as usual on Monday, so if you need to stock up on prescription medications, get that request in now.
"Pharmacies will be open and are always a get first-stop for advice, while NHS 111 Online is a great place to start if you want to check out any symptoms.
"Our A&E staff, as ever, will be on hand around the clock for anyone who needs emergency care if they are seriously ill or injured. Anyone else might face a long wait to be seen and still be told to go elsewhere to be seen.
"We can all do our bit by making sure our medicine cabinets are well stocked and making those checks to see where we should go to be seen if we need help.
"We also know that in addition to more people getting out and about, many Sunderland AFC fans will either be heading to Wembley Stadium or watching Saturday’s match from the North East. We want everyone to have a good time and look out for each other.
"It’s always a good idea for everyone to have everything you need on hand in case you feel unwell or suffer a minor injury."
Useful items for a medicine cabinet include paracetamol, indigestion tablets, plasters and antiseptic cream.
Information about pharmacies open during the Bank Holiday weekend are available here: May bank holiday pharmacy opening hours 2025 Details of general opening times can be found via the NHS Find a Pharmacy page.
Anyone who needs emergency care for yourself for a life-threatening emergency and require emergency care, you should call 999.
British Sign Language (BSL) speakers can make a BSL video call to 999.
Deaf people can use 18000 to contact 999 using text relay.
Those who need urgent mental health support can get help by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option.
If you are concerned about how much you, or someone you know, drinks there is lots of help available, including talking to your GP.
Find your local alcohol support service or contact Drinkline freephone 0300 123 1110 or Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555.
