This bank holiday weekend (28-30 August), Londoners are being urged to ensure they have enough supply of their medications, to follow government advice on coronavirus, know how to contact their GP for advice, or NHS 111 if urgent care is needed.

People living in the capital are being urged to plan ahead by ordering any necessary prescriptions ahead of changes to the opening hours of GP surgeries and pharmacies this bank holiday weekend.

Londoners will continue to have access to a range of healthcare services; and those with urgent medical issues can contact NHS 111 to speak to a fully trained advisor, 24 hours a day, who can advise on local NHS services, connect patients to a medical professional, arrange appointments and offer self-care advice as needed.

Accident and Emergency departments (A&E) are for seriously ill people with life threatening conditions, so health leaders are asking Londoners to use alternative health services such as NHS 111 if the issue isn’t an emergency.

Dr Helene Brown, GP and medical director of System Improvement & Professional Standards for the NHS in London said:

“It is important to remember that if you need medical help the NHS is here for you, including on bank holiday weekends. There are a number of ways to access medical advice and it’s essential to choose the right service for your needs.

“To stay well over the bank holiday, we encourage you to plan early where you can. Collect any medication prescriptions needed ahead of the weekend, and follow health advice to keep yourself and others safe from coronavirus.”

Brian Jordan, London Ambulance Service’s Deputy Director of Ambulance Services and ‘Gold’ Commander this weekend, said:

“As we approach the bank holiday weekend, which is traditionally busy in a normal year, we’re expecting to see high demand – similar to what we would see on New Year’s Eve.

“It has been our busiest summer ever, and I’d like to thank all of our staff and volunteers for their incredible efforts and for working so hard in such challenging circumstances.

“We’re doing all we can to ensure Londoners who need us get help as quickly as possible. The public can help us by being sensible this weekend, and only calling 999 if it’s a serious medical emergency and if someone’s life is at risk.”