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You will want to enjoy your long Easter weekend with your family and friends so you need to be prepared for any unexpected injuries or illnesses by having a well stocked medicine cabinet and first aid kit.  

To help you cope with those minor ailments and manage any long term conditions you need to make sure you have the medicine you need. If you’re not sure what you need to take control of your health and practise self care, 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 take regular medication, please make sure you have enough to see you through the holiday period. If you think you’re likely to run out, make sure you order a repeat prescription before Good Friday (30^th March). You can find out which local pharmacies are open over the Bank Holiday by clicking here. Easter Holiday Pharmacy Opening Times

Things may not go to plan, but no need to 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:

“We strongly recommend that people think ahead and order their repeat prescriptions and collect prior to their GPs being closed, to make sure that they have the medicine that they and their family need. There are other NHS services available over the bank holiday period for emergencies and they shouldn’t be used to get prescription medicine, so please order what you need to manage your health responsibly during the Easter Holidays.”

“People often feel they have an urgent healthcare need, but in the majority of cases it’s not an emergency and they really don’t need A&E or to ring 999. 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.”

“Another option you have is to visit your local pharmacist for confidential and expert advice on common health conditions such as a cold or upset stomach. People practicing self care for their minor aliments at home helps the local NHS keep emergency services free for those that need them the most.”

“You can 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 and you should start to feel 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/