22 August 2025

People are being encouraged to Know Where to Go for medical help and advice this August bank holiday weekend to ensure they receive the right care and help ease pressure on emergency services. 

Bank Holidays can be busy times for hospitals and urgent and emergency services. On average over 400 people attend the Emergency Department at Queen Alexandra Hospital each day during Bank Holiday weekends, including those who could be better treated elsewhere.  

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

Our Chief Nursing Officer, Hayley Peters, said: “It is important people choose the right healthcare option for their needs, and we particularly encourage people attending Victorious Festival to enjoy themselves but also be responsible.

"For non-life-threatening conditions, Urgent Treatment Centres, pharmacies, or NHS 111 Online can help. We have three Urgent Treatment Centres in the area, equipped to handle conditions such as sprains, stings, burns, and other minor injuries. For advice on where to go, people can visit 111 online or call 111. Pharmacists are also available to provide expert guidance. 

“Using the right NHS service means people are likely to get help more quickly, and with your help this will help ensure our emergency departments remain available for those who need urgent, life-saving care.”

Urgent Treatment Centres(UTC) in your area: 

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

Pharmacies are a convenient option for minor illnesses and many pharmacies will be open over the Bank Holiday weekend. You can find the full list here. 

In addition to providing advice and support on minor illnesses, many pharmacies can now offer medication without a prescription for seven common conditions, including: 

  • Sinusitis 
  • Sore throat 
  • Earache 
  • Infected insect bite 
  • Impetigo (bacterial skin infection) 
  • Shingles 
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women 

No appointment is needed—you can speak to a trained pharmacist who will assess your symptoms and determine the next steps, which may include issuing a prescription for medication or referring you to another service. 

First aid kits are always useful to have stocked with things you may need to save you rushing to the pharmacy during the holidays.  

For more information on accessing the right medical care, visit: #KnowWhereToGo for urgent medical help :: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust