GP practices across Northern Ireland will close on Monday, April 6, and Tuesday, April 7, 2026, for the Easter holidays. Patients should order repeat prescriptions before closures.

For minor illnesses, community pharmacies offer advice and treatment through the Pharmacy First service. Optometry practices participating in NIPEARS handle eye problems. The NI Direct symptom checker provides guidance on common conditions.

Self-care with over-the-counter medicines and rest suits most minor ailments like aches, colds, upset stomachs, and sore throats. Minor Injuries Units treat non-critical injuries. Some units require a phone call first.

Life-threatening emergencies require a 999 call, including stroke, heart attack, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, or major trauma. Emergency Departments serve sudden acute illness or severe trauma. Some hospitals operate a Phone First service.

Out-of-hours GP services provide urgent care when practices are closed. Registered dental patients contact their practice for emergency arrangements. Unregistered patients or those needing urgent care reach Emergency Dental Clinics on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays, including Easter dates, via 028 2566 3510 from 8am to noon.

Clinics triage calls and arrange appointments for necessary dental conditions. Normal charges apply, and attendance requires an appointment. Urgent eye issues go to local optometrists first or hospital Emergency Departments if needed after hours.

The Regional Emergency Social Work Service covers all of Northern Ireland from 5pm to 9am weekdays, all day weekends, and bank holidays. It assists children, young people, older people, those with mental health problems, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, and their families or carers in genuine emergencies. Contact is 0800 197 9995.

Mental health emergencies can reach Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 around the clock.