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If you’re looking forward to the extra day off this weekend and have made plans for either a trip out or away, or time relaxing with friends or family then you won’t want anything to put a stop to it.

While we are not always blessed with the ideal weather, something we can guarantee is there will be advice and treatment available locally if things don’t quite go to plan and you or a member of your family becomes ill or injured. Should unexpected injuries or illness alter your plans, there is a range of services to support you.

If it’s not an emergency but you need health advice as a matter of urgency then you should phone the Single Point of Access on 01472 256 256. This service provides confidential advice and information over the phone 24 hours a day, every day of the year and trained advisers who are supported by experienced clinicians will assess what you need and either give you advice there and then, or direct you to the appropriate local service for your needs.

Most people do not need to seek professional help for minor ailments. You can treat a lot of relatively mild illnesses at home and save yourself a trip to the doctor’s. You need to keep a well-stocked, secure medicine cabinet and remember your first aid kit for when you are travelling and out and about. If you’re not sure what you might need, your local pharmacy will be able to advise you, or you can get advice on basic medicines you may need online at NHS.co.uk http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/pharmacy/pages/yourmedicinecabinet.aspx

If you are suffering from a minor ailment such as a tummy upset, a headache, a cough and sore throat, or perhaps hay fever and a bite or sting, and you just want a bit of advice then a pharmacy should be your first port of call. You can receive expert confidential support and be advised on over the counter medicines to treat your symptoms so you can feel better in no time.

You can find out which local pharmacies will be open on Monday 26 August via this link NEL Pharmacies August Bank Holiday Opening Times 2019 The dates and times are correct at the time of publishing but please ring and check with the pharmacy before setting off.

Remember, if you take regular medication then please think ahead and order your repeat prescription in plenty of time as the staff at your GP practice will also be taking a break on the Bank Holiday weekend.

Dr Peter Melton, local GP and Clinical Chief Officer for the CCG explained. “A little planning ahead could save you a lot of time and trouble in terms of health care for you and your family.  If you are going away for a welcome break for the weekend - don't forget to pack your prescription medicine and order repeat prescriptions in advance.

“Demand for health care is always high and we all need to do the little things that we can in terms of choosing other services that are available and learning to self-care with medicine and advice from local pharmacists and SPA advisers. Please do what you can and take control of your healthcare at home and let’s help keep emergency services such as A&E, 999 and out of hours GP services free for those that need them the most.”

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/