People in the North East and Yorkshire are reminded to plan their healthcare needs ahead of the summer bank holiday on Monday 28 August.

People can use NHS 111 online for help with a wide range of health needs and they will be directed to the most appropriate treatment option.

The NHS region’s Medical Director for System Improvement and Professional Standards, Dr Jonathan Slade, says: “If you, or a loved one, need medical help over the bank holiday please remember that NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk) is available to help you. It will direct you to the most appropriate health service for your needs, and if for any reason you are unable to use 111 online then please phone 111.

“For serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries, please do remember 999 or your local A&E department.”

NHS 111 online will connect web visitors with medical advice and with the same experts they can expect to reach by phoning 111. It will direct people to the most appropriate medical care such as a GP, a pharmacy consultation, a call-back from a nurse, or an urgent walk-in treatment centre.

People should still call 999 and go to A&E in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

The bank holiday will follow two days of planned industrial action by hospital consultants, on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 August, underlining the importance of people planning ahead for their healthcare needs.

Dr Slade also urges people to order their repeat prescriptions well in advance. People can use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, or change their nominated pharmacy. Guidance on how to order a repeat prescription is available on the NHS website.

For people with a regular repeat prescription Electronic repeat dispensing (known as eRD) gives the reassurance of knowing their next prescription will be ready at their pharmacy when they need it, and flexibility so they have medication at busy times like bank holidays. Ask your GP practice or community pharmacy about eRD.

People may also consider having at home a small stock of basic medicines in case needed for minor illness or injury. These may include paracetamol, plasters, indigestion remedy and anti-diarrhoeal medicine. See the NHS website for advice on what you should keep in your first aid kit, or ask your local pharmacist for advice.

Further information:

• NHS 111 online – get help for your symptoms.
• How to order a repeat prescription.
• NHS electronic repeat dispensing (eRD) regional webpage.
• Find a pharmacy.
• NHS advice on what to keep in a first aid kit at home.