Patients will have to depend on their local out-of-hours service during the 4-day Easter holiday weekend, as many practices close from Good Friday until Easter Monday. According to the UK-wide medical defense organization MDDUS, it is vital that GPs communicate effectively with their patients to ensure that both have a smooth weekend and that the patients’ care remains uncompromised over the Easter holiday weekend.

Dr Barry Parker, MDDUS medical adviser, explains:

“Some patients may panic when they realize their surgery is closed on a week day. By communicating with patients, doctors can ease their concerns while also minimizing disruption and relieving demand on the out-of-hours providers.”

He advises:

“There are some simple steps GPs can take to make patients aware of the practice opening hours during the Easter break, such as during face-to-face appointments, via the notice board in the waiting room, in the practice newsletter and on the practice’s website. Prescription counter slips can also carry a special notice, so that patients can make sure they have adequate supplies of repeat medication. Many patients will not know what out-of-hours care is provided when the surgery is closed, so this information should also be included in any communication, together with access details.”

Patients in need of urgent medical advice during closed surgery times in England and Wales should contact NHS Direct. Patients in Scotland should contact NHS 24.

Dr. Parker continues:

“Effective communication between GPs and the out-of-hours providers is also important to ensure safety during all holiday periods. Patients receiving palliative care or those with complex physical and mental conditions may be particularly difficult to manage in an out-of-hours setting where little or no records are available. Therefore, the use of ‘patient of note’ communications can be of assistance. Vital details can be forwarded to the out-of-hours service in advance, providing, of course, that patients consent to this.”

He adds:

“Practices should also be vigilant in relation to any abnormal result handling on the day before the holiday begins, given the four-day gap before normal service resumes. This is an area where problems and complaints may arise, particularly in relation to warfarin results or electrolyte abnormalities that may need dealt with more urgently.”

Although most patients can be reassured that the out-of-hours service is reliable, some patients will nevertheless experience greater levels of stress or anxiety due to the fact that they are unable to contact their regular doctor at their surgery.

Dr. Parker therefore advises:

“Good communication and preparation can help to ensure that everything runs smoothly over the holiday period.”

Written by Petra Rattue