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If you’re venturing out for the day, remember your first aid kit to ensure you can enjoy your long weekend with your family and friends and be prepared for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. 

Take time to also re stock your medicine cabinet as this can help you cope with minor ailments and manage any long term conditions. If you’re not sure what you need, your local pharmacy will be able to advise you or you can get advice on basic medicines online at NHS Choices http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/pharmacy/pages/yourmedicinecabinet.aspx

If you need to take regular medication, make sure you have enough to tide you over the long weekend. If you think you’re likely to run out, make sure you get a new prescription before Good Friday (April 14). You can find out which local pharmacies are open over the bank holiday here: Easter Holiday Pharmacy Opening Times.

Should things not go to plan during the long weekend, don’t worry as there are a number of local services that can help if you or a family member needs advice or treatment. Dr Rakesh Pathak, local GP and member of North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) explained:

“If you’re taking repeat medication then we strongly recommend you plan ahead and make sure you have enough medication to last when your GP surgery may be closed. Don’t use A&E as a back-up pharmacy, please order enough to see you through the Easter Holidays.”

“In most cases people really don’t need A&E or to ring 999, so if you are ill and have any questions about your health or if you need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend please phone the Single Point of Access (SPA) on 01472 256 256 and you will have access to confidential advice and information from a fully trained adviser who is supported by experienced clinicians. They will assess your symptoms and give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you to the right local service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Alternatively you can go to your local pharmacy for confidential and expert advice on common health conditions such as a cold or upset stomach. People practicing self care for their minor aliments helps the local NHS keep emergency services free for those that need them the most.”

You can often self-treat many minor illnesses and injuries at home by keeping your medicine cabinet and first aid kit well-stocked with medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Most simple ailments will start to get better within a couple of days.”

For more information on alternatives to A&E and how you can choose well and ease the pressure on the NHS emergency services visit http://www.northeastlincolnshireccg.nhs.uk/your-health-wellbeing/choosewell/

ENDS

For further information contact the North East Lincolnshire CCG Communications Team on 03300 249301.