Some hospital appointments may be affected by the Queen's funeral on Monday.
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II means that Monday September 19 will now be a Bank Holiday. This means many people will now be off work and shops and businesses across the country will close for the day - but not everyone will get the day off.
Some public transport operators have issued an update on what that means for services that day. NHS hospitals in England may also see changes to their appointments, PA reports.
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NHS hospitals in England have been urged to contact all patients with appointments on Monday, whether or not their appointment has been postponed. Some hospitals have said they will be operating as usual, while others have said that they will postpone some non-urgent appointments.
A letter to all NHS organisations, sent from NHS England on Saturday, said: "For patients with planned appointments that may be affected by the day of the funeral, please ensure they are informed in advance of any changes by utilising direct patient communications. Where planned appointments are going ahead it will also be important to confirm this is the case."
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, which operates cancer services in the Wirral, Aintree and Liverpool, said that services will be operating "as usual". In a statement it said: "Our clinical services will be open as usual on Monday September 19 2022. This includes outpatient clinics, tests and treatment.
"If you would prefer to cancel/postpone your appointment, please let us know ASAP by contacting us via the details in your appointment text or letter."
A spokesperson for Alder Hey Children's hospital told the ECHO: "We are in the process of determining which activity will go ahead, assuring that any urgent procedures and appointments will go ahead as planned. Patients affected by the Bank Holiday will be contacted directly, and their appointment rescheduled as quickly as possible.
"We would urge anyone who has an appointment with Alder Hey on Monday to still attend unless they have heard otherwise."
The Liverpool Women's Hospital also posted on social media: "Advice for patients with appointments on Monday 19th September 2022: We understand patients with appointments on this date will be awaiting updates in light of the Queen’s funeral and national holiday announcement.
"The Trust will be continuing with clinical activity on this day however changes to some appointments may occur. Please wait to be contacted directly by the hospital for further details this week."
St Helens and Whiston Hospitals wrote: "Monday 19th September has been declared a national bank holiday for the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We would like to reassure patients that if your appointment is affected by this, you will be contacted by either telephone or post.
"If you do not hear from us, please continue to attend your appointment as planned. If you would rather not attend on this date, the best way to rearrange is via the online Outpatients Appointment Form on our website https://www.sthk.nhs.uk/your-appointment. Our staff appreciate your patience and support at this time."
A Wirral University Teaching Hospital spokesperson told the ECHO: "We are working to understand any changes needed to support staff and patients to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We would like to reassure patients that if your appointment is affected, you will be contacted by either telephone or post. If you do not hear from us, please continue to attend your appointment as planned.
"The public should continue to access NHS services in the same way, using NHS 111 online when you are feeling unwell and need advice to ensure you are directed to the right service to help you."
Meanwhile the public has been urged to check they have enough medication over the bank holiday. A spokesperson for the NHS in England said: "As with any bank holiday, NHS staff will work to ensure that urgent and emergency services, including urgent dental and GP appointments, are available - and patients will be contacted by their local trusts, if necessary, regarding their existing appointments.
"Covid vaccination services, particularly in care homes, are being asked to continue their work given the importance of protecting people ahead of winter and the public should access NHS services in the usual way, including through 111 online or 999 in an emergency."
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