People in the east of England – and those visiting the area this bank holiday weekend – are being encouraged to prepare ahead of time and use the NHS wisely to help reduce the anticipated pressures on the region’s health services, due to high demand and the planned industrial action by nurses.

The NHS often sees increased demand over bank holidays and with the Royal College of Nursing planning strike action from 8pm Sunday 30 April to midnight on Monday 1 May, health services in many parts of the region are likely to be under increased pressure over the long weekend.

Over the bank holiday weekend some GP surgeries and pharmacies may be closed or working reduced hours. By having a well-stocked first-aid kit to hand and checking to see which local pharmacies will be open, people are less likely to need the NHS’s help and can fully enjoy the long weekend.

Anyone who needs urgent medical care should still come forward for help over the bank holiday and during the period of industrial action. NHS 111 online remains the best first port of call for people with urgent medical or dental care needs, where a trained adviser will provide advice on the best care pathway.

The NHS will contact anyone whose planned appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. If the NHS has not contacted you, it is important to attend appointments as planned.

Dr Robert Sherwin, medical director for commissioning for the NHS in the east of England, said: “As with previous industrial action, disruption to NHS services in the region is inevitable, but it is crucial that people do not put off seeking care if they need it. Anyone with a planned appointment on strike days should attend unless they have been contacted to rearrange.

“Whilst many NHS services will still be open over the bank holiday weekend and during the period of industrial action, we expect emergency departments in our hospitals to be busier than usual. So that is why it is crucial that you look after yourself, your friends and family – especially those with any long-term health conditions – to help avoid any preventable trips to A&E.

“Having a well-stocked first-aid kit and knowing which local pharmacies will be open this long weekend, will help you manage day-to-day and minor health issues.

“If you are in an emergency or life-threatening situation, call 999 but for anything else, NHS 111 online will give you the best, fast advice.”

Community pharmacies and dentistry are not impacted by strike action and the public should continue to access these services as needed on strike days. Information about pharmacies open over the May bank holidays can be found on the NHS Find a Pharmacy site and NHS 111 online can offer advice for anyone with urgent medical or dental care needs.

Anyone with a life-threatening medical issue should call 999.