Ahead of the summer bank holiday on Monday 31 August, people in the North East and Yorkshire are reminded to plan their medicine needs, use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions and visit NHS111 online first if medical advice is needed.

Dr Faisel Baig, GP and Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS North East and Yorkshire, said: “The NHS is here for you if you need us over the bank holiday weekend. We’re asking people in the North East and Yorkshire to ensure they’re prepared for any medicine needs and know how and where to get support and advice, if needed.

“If you take regular medications and are due a repeat prescription leading up to the summer bank holiday, please request it in advance. This will allow your GP practice and pharmacy to have your repeat medication ready in good time.”

The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is by using the NHS App. The app also enables users to see if their prescription has been issued and change their nominated pharmacy, if required. The app links to NHS 111 online which offers help for a wide range of symptoms and medical conditions.

Dr Baig added: “NHS 111 online can tell you where to get help for your symptoms, the most appropriate local treatment option 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.”

NHS 111 online isn’t available for children under five years. People looking for urgent medical help for under-fives should use the 111 phone line.

Community pharmacies can help people with their medicine and health needs, as well as providing advice and treatment for a range of minor conditions such as sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites and stings, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in women.

This list is set to expand even further in the autumn as part of a £340 million investment announced by the government earlier this year. For community pharmacies open over the bank holiday weekend visit find your pharmacy.

If you need urgent dental treatment over the bank holiday weekend use NHS 111 online and if necessary the service will arrange an appointment for you. Health advice and information is also available at the NHS website, including help in finding a local pharmacy, GP practice or Talking Therapies service.

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. For advice, search ‘What should I keep in my first aid kit?’ on the NHS website, or ask your local pharmacist.

• Download the NHS App for free on the app store or on Google Play.