Where to go if you need medical help this Bank Holiday


If you or someone in your family need medical help during the August Bank Holiday (Monday 29 August), local healthcare services are available to help you.

Please choose the right healthcare service for your needs, as this will enable the NHS to help the greatest number of people.

Visit a pharmacy for expert advice

Pharmacists can help you and your family with minor health concerns. They can offer expert advice and over-the-counter medication to help treat conditions such as colds, coughs, headaches, aches and pains or an upset stomach.

Many pharmacies will be open on the Bank Holiday, but they may have different opening hours. NHS England has published a list of pharmacies across Portsmouth that plan to open on the Bank Holiday which you can view here.

Please note that the times are subject to change, and you are advised to contact the pharmacy before attending to ensure they are open and have the medication you need.

It’s important to order and collect any prescription medications in plenty of time ahead of the bank holiday, to make sure that you have enough in supply.

For minor injuries, go to a UTC

Urgent Treatment Centres offer treatment for a range of minor illnesses and injuries – including cuts and grazes, minor head and eye wounds, sprains and strains, bites and stings, and breaks to arms, lower legs and feet.

UTCs are open every day, including bank holidays.

Our local UTCs are:

  • St Mary’s Health Campus, Portsmouth (PO3 6DW), open 8am-8pm
  • Petersfield Hospital (GU32 3LB), open 8am-8pm
  • Gosport War Memorial Hospital (PO12 3PW), open 8am-10pm

Not sure where to go? Contact 111

If you need urgent medical help that isn’t an emergency and you’re not sure where to go, call 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk/.

Trained staff can offer advice on your symptoms and direct you to the right service. If needed, they can book you an appointment at the Emergency Department which can help save time.

Advice for children and young people

It can be extremely stressful when your child is unwell. The Wessex Healthier Together website offers advice and clinical resources for parents, carers, young people and pregnant women.

The website includes clear information on common childhood illnesses, including:

  • What ‘red-flag’ signs to look for
  • Where to seek help if required
  • What you should do to keep your child comfortable
  • How long your child’s symptoms are likely to last

Urgent and emergency care services support patients in receiving the right care, by the right person, as quickly as possible. Find out more about urgent and emergency care in Portsmouth.