With 6.5 million Brits heading away on an Easter break[1], people in the Midlands are being encouraged to be ready for the Bank Holiday by making sure they have their prescription medicines and knowing where to go if they do need medical help.

Whether you’re at home or enjoying a break in England this weekend, ensuring you’ve packed your medication is essential; most GP surgeries and pharmacies will be closed throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

NHS111 is now online and offers the same service without having to make a call. People can access help on www.111.nhs.uk on their tablet, laptop or mobile or via the NHS App.

NHS111 online couldn’t be simpler.  The user answers a series of questions and will be advised on what to do next.  Those unsure on whether they need to go to hospital will be directed to the best and often quickest help for them.  And those away from home will be told about services local to them that are open over the Bank Holiday. This could be a pharmacy, an out-of-hours GP or an urgent treatment centre.

In a life-threatening situation, people should always call 999.

Minor ailments such as tummy troubles, bites and stings can be treated by over-the-counter remedies in most cases.  Pharmacies will be open over the Bank Holiday period, including supermarkets, and can provide expert advice. To check those open locally, visit www.nhs.uk

Dr Colette Marshall, Regional Medical Director for Commissioning at NHS England in the Midlands, said:

“It’s important to prepare for the Bank Holiday weekend by collecting any prescriptions before the long weekend and ensuring you have enough medication to last if you’re away from home.

“It is also worth checking that your general medicine cabinet is well-stocked with essentials such as paracetamol, cough and cold remedies, hay fever medicines, and plasters and bandages; these can all be bought cheaply from supermarkets or pharmacies.

“Local pharmacists can also provide free, confidential, expert advice and treatment for a variety of common complaints.

“NHS services are usually busy over bank holidays so every little helps, whether you’re staying here in the Midlands or heading further afield this weekend.

“Using 111 online will help the NHS treat patients in the right setting over the Bank Holiday period, and helps to keep staff free to deal with serious or life-threatening emergencies. So, if you need urgent medical or dental advice or care over the Bank Holiday, use NHS111 online to receive quick guidance on the best route of care for you, wherever you are.”

ENDS

[1] Source: VisitEngland Easter Trip Tracker survey 6.5 million Brits plan a UK holiday trip for the Easter weekend, bringing £1.8 billion economic boost | VisitBritain