The NHS in London is encouraging people to prepare for their healthcare needs ahead of the upcoming bank holiday weekend, by ordering and collecting repeat prescriptions and making sure family members also have enough medication for any health conditions.

Some GP services and pharmacies may be closed over the long weekend, or operating on reduced hours, so Londoners should bear this in mind in the run-up to the bank holiday. The opening times of local pharmacies can be found through the NHS Find a Pharmacy site.

For any non-life-threatening health concerns, NHS 111 online remains the best initial choice, to get advice from a trained healthcare professional for any medical and dental care needs.

It is vital people continue to call 999 in emergencies, or when someone’s life is at risk to get fast and urgent care.

Dr Chris Streather, Medical Director for the NHS in London said:  

“Emergency services in the capital are typically extremely busy during bank holiday weekends so taking the suitable steps to look after your health, as well as your friends and family is important.

“We want people to enjoy the final May bank holiday as the weather heats up, by staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen and having enough medication to last throughout the weekend so that any preventable trips to A&E are avoided. 

“Using our NHS 111 online service will give you fast advice and direct you to the best care for any non-urgent health concerns. However, if anyone needs NHS urgent care over the weekend, if they are in a life-threatening situation, please continue to call 999.”