31 March 2026

Residents and visitors to Portsmouth are being encouraged to Know Where to Go for medical help and advice this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, to help them get the right care and ease pressure on emergency services.

Bank holidays are typically busy for hospitals and urgent and emergency care services. Queen Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department often sees high demand over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, including attendances for conditions that could be treated elsewhere.

Emergency Departments are for life-threatening injuries and conditions and are not the right place for non-urgent injuries or illnesses.

Medical Director, Dr Steve Mathieu, said:

“Our services are often busier than usual over the Easter Bank Holiday, with increased demand across our emergency and urgent care services. With GP practices closed, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to go for help, but choosing the right service means you can get the care you need more quickly.

“For non-life-threatening conditions, NHS 111 online or by phone is a good place to start, and our urgent treatment centres and local pharmacies can provide expert advice and treatment for a wide range of minor illnesses and injuries.

“Our Emergency Department is there for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions, so it is important that we keep it available for those who need urgent, lifesaving care.”

Common conditions you can manage at home

Many common illnesses and minor injuries can be treated at home or with advice from NHS services:

  • Coughs and colds are usually mild and can be managed with rest and fluids.
  • Fever (high temperature) is a natural response to infection. Use children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed.
    o   If a child under 3 months has a temperature over 38°C, seek medical advice.
    o   If a child over 3 months has a temperature above 39°C, seek medical advice.
  • Sore throats are often viral and can be soothed with warm drinks and honey (for children over one year old).
  • Ear discomfort often follows coughs and colds and usually clears up on its own. Pain relief can help.
  • Upset stomachs – make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids and encourage regular handwashing to prevent germs spreading.
  • Scrapes and grazes should be cleaned and covered with a plaster or dressing to help prevent infection.
  • Seek advice sooner if your child seems unwell or you are concerned.

Be prepared

Make sure your first aid kit is well stocked ahead of the bank holiday, so you have essential items to hand.

Choose the right service

  • Use NHS 111 online or call 111 for urgent medical advice if you’re not sure what to do.
  • Visit a pharmacy for advice and treatment for minor illnesses.
  • Contact your GP for ongoing conditions that can wait until the surgery reopens.
  • Use an Emergency Department only for life-threatening conditions.

Your nearest urgent treatment centres are:

  • St Mary’s UTC: 8am to 8pm
  • Gosport UTC: 8am to 10pm
  • Petersfield UTC: 8am to 8pm

Pharmacies are a convenient option for minor illnesses, and many will be open over the bank holiday weekend.

For more information on accessing the right medical care, visit our: Know Where To Go webpage.

Residents and visitors to Portsmouth are being encouraged to Know Where to Go for medical help and advice this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, to help them get the right care and ease pressure on emergency services.

Bank holidays are typically busy for hospitals and urgent and emergency care services. Queen Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department often sees high demand over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, including attendances for conditions that could be treated elsewhere.

Emergency Departments are for life-threatening injuries and conditions and are not the right place for non-urgent injuries or illnesses.

Medical Director, Dr Steve Mathieu, said:

“Our services are often busier than usual over the Easter Bank Holiday, with increased demand across our emergency and urgent care services. With GP practices closed, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to go for help, but choosing the right service means you can get the care you need more quickly.

“For non-life-threatening conditions, NHS 111 online or by phone is a good place to start, and our urgent treatment centres and local pharmacies can provide expert advice and treatment for a wide range of minor illnesses and injuries.

“Our Emergency Department is there for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions, so it is important that we keep it available for those who need urgent, lifesaving care.”

Common conditions you can manage at home

Many common illnesses and minor injuries can be treated at home or with advice from NHS services:

  • Coughs and colds are usually mild and can be managed with rest and fluids.
  • Fever (high temperature) is a natural response to infection. Use children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed.
    o   If a child under 3 months has a temperature over 38°C, seek medical advice.
    o   If a child over 3 months has a temperature above 39°C, seek medical advice.
  • Sore throats are often viral and can be soothed with warm drinks and honey (for children over one year old).
  • Ear discomfort often follows coughs and colds and usually clears up on its own. Pain relief can help.
  • Upset stomachs – make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids and encourage regular handwashing to prevent germs spreading.
  • Scrapes and grazes should be cleaned and covered with a plaster or dressing to help prevent infection.
  • Seek advice sooner if your child seems unwell or you are concerned.

Be prepared

Make sure your first aid kit is well stocked ahead of the bank holiday, so you have essential items to hand.

Choose the right service

  • Use NHS 111 online or call 111 for urgent medical advice if you’re not sure what to do.
  • Visit a pharmacy for advice and treatment for minor illnesses.
  • Contact your GP for ongoing conditions that can wait until the surgery reopens.
  • Use an Emergency Department only for life-threatening conditions.

Your nearest urgent treatment centres are:

  • St Mary’s UTC: 8am to 8pm
  • Gosport UTC: 8am to 10pm
  • Petersfield UTC: 8am to 8pm

Pharmacies are a convenient option for minor illnesses, and many will be open over the bank holiday weekend.

For more information on accessing the right medical care, visit our Know Where to Go webpage >>