The Rayleigh & District Primary Care Network is reminding residents how to access medical care over the Easter bank holiday weekend as GP practices remain closed. The network, which serves approximately 56,000 patients across Rayleigh, Hullbridge, and Hockley, published its guidance on 2 April 2026, ahead of the break running from 3 April to 6 April 2026.
Residents are encouraged to use local community pharmacies for non-emergency health issues. Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can now treat seven common conditions without the need for a GP appointment. These conditions include earache for patients aged 1 to 17, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles for those 18 and older, sinusitis for patients 12 and up, sore throat for those 5 and older, and urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64. This service is designed to provide quicker access to care and relieve pressure on local GP clinics.
For those needing non-emergency medical advice throughout the holiday, the NHS 111 online service is available 24 hours a day as a primary point of contact. Residents are also advised to check their medicine cabinets and order any repeat prescriptions at least seven days before they run out, as local pharmacy opening hours will be limited during the holiday period.
While many pharmacies will be closed, NHS England has commissioned specific locations to open on Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026. Nearby options include Derix Healthcare Pharmacy in Leigh-On-Sea and Hadleigh Pharmacy in Thundersley, both of which will be open from 10:00 to 14:00.
The guidance comes as the health service prepares for a six-day walkout of resident doctors starting on 7 April 2026, which is expected to place additional pressure on regional resources. For those experiencing a mental health crisis, support remains available by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option. Young people under the age of 18 can access specific support by calling 0800 995 1000.
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