AHEAD of the Bank Holiday weekend people are being reminded that a range of healthcare services which will still be available.

NHS 111, GP out of hours and some pharmacies will be open over the weekend.

People are being asked to only attend A&E for serious injuries or illnesses such as a heart attack, stroke, large cuts or major fractures.

Dr Ann Sephton, deputy clinical chair and lead for emergency and urgent care at NHS South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which is responsible for planning, buying and monitoring local NHS services, said:

“Everyone enjoys a long relaxing Bank Holiday weekend – but some people spend part of it in A&E, when they don’t need to.

“If you do fall ill, there are a range of local NHS services to help you make the right choice about where to go for health advice or the right treatment.

“This will help ensure that we keep our local A&E as free as possible for people who have medical emergencies.

“Our message is simple – if it’s not a serious medical emergency, A&E is not the right choice.”

People are being encouraged to use the NHS 111 service if they need non-emergency medical help.

Repeat prescriptions should be collected well before the Bank Holiday weekend so any issues with them can be dealt with in time.

You can visit the CCG’s website for a list of pharmacies that are opening over the Bank Holiday at: www.southgloucestershireccg.nhs.uk.

The Minor Injuries Unit at Southmead Hospital is available for conditions like minor burns, head injuries, broken bones, animal bites and sporting strains and sprains.

If it is an emergency and urgent medical attention is required then it is possible to go to A&E at Southmead Hospital or Bristol Royal Infirmary, if it is impossible to get there then call 999.