Think ahead with your health ahead of the Spring bank holiday

 

Local people are being encouraged to think ahead with their health needs ahead of May’s third bank holiday weekend (27 – 29 May).

Dr Joanne Medhurst, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, said:

“With another bank holiday around the corner, GP practices will be closed over the long weekend and many pharmacies will have reduced opening hours.

“We’re reminding people to check their repeat prescriptions and order more ahead of the bank holiday if they need to. It can be done easily online or via the NHS App without needing to visit a GP practice.

“Now that the weather is improving and we’re spending more time outside, it’s also important to take some quick steps to stay well. By wearing sunscreen, avoiding tick bites and ensuring you have antihistamines for hay fever, you’re putting yourself in the best position to enjoy spending time outdoors.

“Bank holidays are normally a busy time for health and care services. Local people can play their part to support services by only using 999 and A&E for genuine life-threatening emergencies and using NHS 111 online or by phone for other urgent care needs or if you’re unsure about whether you should go to hospital.”

Top tips to help the NHS this bank holiday:

  • Make sure you have enough of your prescribed medications, ordering more ahead of the bank holiday weekend if you need to.
  • Ensure you have a fully stocked first aid kit at home or with you. Find out what you need here on the NHS website.
  • Check for ticks after walks in the countryside. Find out how to remove and avoid ticks on the Sirona care & health website.
  • Avoid sunburn by wearing sunscreen and spending time in the shade. See the NHS website for more sun safety tips.
  • Take precautions to ease symptoms of hay fever. Your local pharmacist can help if you’re struggling with itchy and watery eyes, sneezing or blocked nose.

If you are ill or injured, and it is not life-threatening, but are unsure of which NHS service to use 111.nhs.uk can help you with:

  • where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
  • how to find general health information and advice
  • getting help with an existing medical condition
  • how to get mental health help
  • where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
  • getting emergency dental appointments

A list of pharmacies and their opening times over the bank holiday weekend can be found on the pharmacies information page.

Urgent care services are available across the area. The Urgent Treatment Centre at South Bristol Community Hospital and the Minor Injury Unit in Yate are both open from 8am to 8pm each day, while the Minor Injury Unit at the hospital in Clevedon is open 8am to 8.30pm.

For life threatening emergencies, like breathing difficulties, heart attack like pain (heavy weight in the centre of your chest) contact 999 or go to your nearest A&E.