With the final Bank Holiday of the summer fast approaching, residents and visitors in the South West are being urged to take some simple steps to keep themselves well over the weekend.

Top of the list is making sure repeat prescriptions are ordered and collected in good time, as GP surgeries and most pharmacies will be closed for the holiday.

During May, nearly 24,000 people had to use NHS 111 in the South West to secure urgent repeat medications, because they were running out of medication. Some 17,752 requests were online, accounting for more than one in five contacts, with a further 6,461 people using the 111 phoneline.

By ordering your surgery today for your repeat prescription, everything should be ready to collect before the long weekend.

Other simple things people can do to prepare for the longer weekend include checking which of your local pharmacies will be open over the weekend, and having a well-stocked first aid kit to hand will all ensure you are less likely to need the NHS for minor issues.

And although the hot weather has now eased a bit, staying hydrated, wearing cool, loose clothing and staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day is still important when it is hot.

The NHS typically sees increased demand over Bank Holidays, particularly as people take the opportunity of the longer weekend to get outdoors or to do those household jobs we’ve been storing up, leading to accidents and injuries.

Trevor Smith, NHS South West Medical Director.

NHS South West Medical Director, Trevor Smith said: “We know that we see an increase in people who need our help over and immediately after a Bank Holiday weekend, which is why we are asking people to take a few simple steps now to minimise your need for NHS help this weekend.

“Having enough of your prescribed medicines, a well-stocked first aid kit, and knowing which local pharmacy will be open and when can help you manage day-to-day and minor health issues.”

“And if you have done all those things and still need non-life-threatening help then 111 online (www.111.nhs.uk) can provide urgent health advice and direct you to the most appropriate NHS service for your condition.”

Top tips to help the NHS this Bank Holiday:

• Make sure you have enough of your prescribed medications. You can easily order repeat prescriptions via the NHS App, through your GP practice website or, if you do not have access to GP online services, by calling your GP practice.
• Ensure you have a fully stocked first aid kit at home or with you. Find out what you need here https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/what-should-i-keep-in-my-first-aid-kit/.
• Check which of your local pharmacies is open this Bank Holiday and when here https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/info-professional/pharm-info/pharmacy-opening-hours/.

If you are ill or injured, and it is not life-threatening, but are unsure of which NHS service to use 111.nhs.uk can help you with:

• where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
• how to find general health information and advice
• getting help with an existing medical condition
• how to get mental health help
• where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
• getting emergency dental appointments

You should still ring 999 if you experience:

• signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
• signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side
• difficulty breathing
• heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• seizures
• or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat or tongue.