Patients need to plan ahead as May bank holidays approach

ANYBODY who needs medical advice or to visit a pharmacy over the May bank holidays should plan ahead to allow for reduced GP and pharmacy provision over this period.

GP practices are generally closed on bank holidays, so will not be making appointments for in-person or telephone consultations on those days.

Anyone who needs non-urgent advice should contact NHS 111.

Many pharmacies will also be closed, but some will operate on a rota system to provide cover. A full list of pharmacy opening times is available on the NHS England website.

GP practice services will largely be closed on Monday, May 3, and Monday, May 31.

If you need medical advice, contact NHS 111 through either their online service https://111.nhs. uk or by calling 111.

NHS 111 will be able to assess you and, if you should need it, book you a time slot at an accident and emergency department to make sure you can be seen safely.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you have a medical emergency, such as a suspected heart attack, stroke, or other serious lifethreatening condition, to call 999.

Patients should order any repeat prescriptions in time to ensure they have adequate provision over the bank holidays. They are advised not to go to their GP practice or pharmacy to order prescriptions and only phone them if they cannot order online or by an app.

If you need help collecting your prescription, NHS Volunteer Responders may be able to help.