Warning to plan ahead of bank holiday to ease NHS pressure
The warning comes from health leaders in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire ahead of the late summer bank holiday, with many health and care services, including GP practices and pharmacies, set to close for the long weekend.
Dr Barry Coakley, deputy chief medical officer at the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: "The last few months has seen our NHS overcome some significant challenges, such as spells of prolonged warm weather and the recent industrial action by resident doctors.
"Now, in the run up to another difficult time, we are once again asking local people to show their support and do what they can to help us get through what we know will be a very busy few days."
NHS leaders are recommending that people check which services will be open during the bank holiday, ensure they have enough medication, and make alternative arrangements for routine care if needed.
Those who need to renew prescriptions are advised to do so by Monday, August 18, to avoid running out during the bank holiday period.
Dr Coakley said: "Choosing the right health and care service, which for many will be a combination of self-care and following the advice of NHS 111 online, is what really makes the difference at busy times, as it helps to keep services free for those in genuine need of urgent and emergency treatment.
"We remain incredibly grateful for all the support shown to us by our local communities, both now and over the last few weeks, and we thank people once again for their continued cooperation and understanding."
NHS 111 is available 24/7 at www.111.nhs.uk and offers patient-specific advice, including how to manage minor illnesses and injuries at home.
A limited number of pharmacies will remain open on Monday, August 25, offering emergency prescriptions, medication advice, and private consultations for minor ailments.
Under new guidelines, pharmacists can now prescribe antibiotics for seven common conditions without a GP visit.
These include sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
Details of open pharmacies can be found on the NHS website using the Find a Pharmacy tool.
Information about other health and care services in the region is available at www.bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth.
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