NHS urges public to ensure they are prepared ahead of the Bank Holiday

Residents are being urged to prepare ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend by making sure they have a supply of prescribed medication and know where to go if they do need medical help.

A few simple steps now will mean people will be less likely to need the help of the NHS over the long weekend, such as ensuring you have enough of your regularly prescribed medication, have checked which of your local pharmacies will be open over the weekend and having a well-stocked first aid kit to hand.

Dr Dave Briggs, Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “We know that we see an increase in people who need our help over, and immediately after, a Bank Holiday weekend, which is why we are asking people to take a few simple steps now to minimise your need for NHS help over the Bank Holiday weekend.

“Having enough of your prescribed medicines, having a well-stocked first aid kit, and even knowing which local pharmacy will be open will help you manage day-to-day and minor health issues.

“And if you have done all those things and still need non-life-threatening help then 111 online (www.111.nhs.uk) can provide urgent health advice and direct you to the most appropriate NHS service for your condition.”

Top tips to help the NHS this Bank Holiday:

• Make sure you have enough of your prescribed medications. You can easily order repeat prescriptions via the NHS App, though your GP practice website or, if you do not have access to GP online services, by calling your GP practice. The NHS recommends you order your prescription seven days in advance of a bank holiday.
• Ensure you have a fully stocked first aid kit at home or with you. Find out what you need on the NHS website. 
• Check which of your local pharmacies is open this Bank Holiday. Pharmacies can offer over-the-counter advice and treat common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, stings and allergies. Many pharmacies are offering additional services for common conditions including urinary tract infections, middle ear infections in young children, skin infections including impetigo, infected eczema and infected insect bites

Other health services this Bank Holiday

NHS Urgent Treatment Centres

For non-life-threatening injuries and health problems. No appointment needed.

• Nottingham – The NHS Urgent Care Centre (next to the BBC building) open every day from 7am-7pm. Seaton House, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 4LA Tel: 0115 883 8500
• Newark – Newark Hospital open 9am-10pm (last patient seen at 9.30pm). Boundary Road, Newark, NG24 4DE

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Mental Health Crisis Line

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have a mental health crisis line which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to people of all ages. Contact: 0808 196 3779

A&E

Only call 999 or attend A&E departments for serious accidents and for genuine emergencies.