13 September 2022

NHS England services during Bank holiday for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral

England

Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the government has confirmed that Monday 19 September will be a Bank Holiday.

NHS England has issued guidance to primary care contractors regarding the provision of services. It is a decision for each optometry practice or business to choose how to operate on the day. You should notify your NHS England regional team if your practice has chosen to change its opening hours or close. If you provide urgent or emergency services you should ensure that there is adequate provision for continuation of these services locally. 

NHS England advise: 

  • You should keep patients fully informed of any change in arrangements made by updating websites and on-site notices.  
  • Ensure the Directory of Services is updated accordingly for the bank holiday. 
  • For patients with planned appointments that are affected by the bank holiday, please ensure they are informed in advance of any changes by utilising direct patient communications such as telephone or text message. 
  • Where planned appointments are going ahead it is important this is also confirmed with patients. 
  • You should notify NHS England regional teams of a change in your opening hours. 

Find out more on the NHS England website.

We will notify members on updates for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales as soon as they are available.

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