GP surgeries and pharmacies in Swansea will remain open to provide emergency cover over Easter.
Doctor surgeries and pharmacies in the Swansea Bay University Health Board area have volunteered to put in extra hours over Easter, as Primary Care continues to rise to the unprecedented demands of fighting Coronavirus.
Many GPs are open on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with some also opening up on Saturday and Easter Sunday.
It’s the same with pharmacies, despite working flat out for weeks, many have volunteered to be added to the Easter rota.
Not all GPs and pharmacies have been able to do so with self-isolation and illness having a big impact on staffing levels. It’s also important to note that some who are planning to open may have to change their plans at the last minute for the same reason.
Dr Sandar Hlaing is chair of Morganwwg Local Medical Council and senior partner of Harbourside Health Centre. She said: “It’s anticipated the number of symptomatic patients will rise at this time.
This is a national crisis, and GPs feel it’s important we come together as a profession and support our out-of-hour colleagues, 111, secondary care colleagues and ambulance services.”
Dr Kannan Muthuvairavan, senior partner of Estuary Group Practice and lead for Llwchwr Cluster said: “During these difficult times, we’ve decided to open over the Easter holidays to make sure everyone has access to medical help should they need it.
“This will also ease the pressure on front line hospitals and emergency departments in coping with the current COVID-19 demand.”
Jonathan Rees, runs Penclawdd Pharmacy and is also Wales’ regional manager for the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), said his doors will be open across the weekend.
He said: “We feel that being there for the community at this time is more important than ever.
“If we can play, even a small part, in preventing just one hospital admission, then it will be worthwhile.”
What to do if you need a doctor
If you need a doctor over the weekend, please telephone or contact your surgery as normal. They will have their up to date opening times on any recorded messages.
For a list of all the GP practices planning to be open and the pharmacy rota head to Swansea Bay University Health Board’s website.
You will find the information on GPs here:
And the information on pharmacies here:
If your GP is closed and you need medical assistance then please contact 111 as normal.
