The public across the North West are being urged to think ahead for this Coronation Bank Holiday weekend to ensure critical NHS services are available for those most in need.

The NHS typically sees increased demand over Bank Holidays and both Easter and last weekend’s May Bank Holiday were no exception.

It is vital the public are aware of the pressure the health service will be under and know the best way to access care during that time.

A few simple steps now and planning ahead will mean people will be less likely to need help from the NHS this weekend, such as ensuring they have enough regularly prescribed medication and a well-stocked first aid kit and medicine cabinet at home, checking which high street community pharmacies will be open over the weekend, and remembering to use www.111.nhs.uk to get the quickest help if they are injured or unwell and need urgent but not emergency advice.

Regional Medical Director Dr Michael Gregory said: “A Bank Holiday means additional challenges for our services. If the public have an emergency or life-threatening illness or injury they should seek help as usual, but for more minor injuries, there may be more appropriate services they can access to ensure they get timely help and advice.

“For example using 111 online gives the same responses as the phone service, but may give a quicker answer than contacting the phone line. In addition, community pharmacies offer a range of services and have a wealth of information and expertise if someone needs advice.”

While it is too late to order repeat prescriptions for regular medication in time for this weekend, patients are advised that – with a further Bank Holiday at the end of May – the quickest way to get an emergency repeat prescription over the weekend is through the NHS 111 online service at www.111.nhs.uk.

“Hopefully most people heeded our advice before this Bank Holiday weekend and ensured they have enough medication to last through the period. There are routes to get an emergency repeat prescription, but my advice would be to download the NHS App if you can and use this to order your medication ahead of the next Bank Holiday.  That way it will be easier in future to order your repeat medication.

“Some GP practices have an electronic repeat dispensing (eRD) that allows them to get their medicines from their chosen pharmacy without having to request on a monthly basis from their GP. Through eRD a GP can authorise up to 12 months’ worth of a patient’s regular prescription, which is then ready for download and dispensing at the chosen pharmacy each time the patient needs it. It’s worthwhile checking if your GP practice offers this service.”

You can download the NHS App on the app store or on google play.

If you require any medical advice and are unsure where to turn, you can use the online www.111.nhs.uk service, which will take you through symptoms and offer advice. In addition, some high street pharmacies will be open on the Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday – search online for ‘find a pharmacy’ or click Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk) for details