NHS LEADERS in South Gloucestershire are reminding residents of their healthcare options ahead of next weekend’s bank holiday weekend.

With emergency services set to be stretched over the long weekend, officials have presented the correct routes to take if residents or their families feel unwell or have a minor injury over the August bank holiday weekend.

A range of NHS services will be available throughout the long weekend including out-of-hours GP services, pharmacies, the NHS 111 helpline and walk-in minor injuries services.

Residents are also being encouraged to help themselves by planning ahead for their healthcare needs – such as making sure they have sufficient repeat medication to last the weekend, and a well-stocked medicine cabinet to treat very minor injuries or ailments.

Chairman of South Gloucestershire CCG Dr Jonathan Hayes, said: “With people now looking ahead to the August bank holiday we’re encouraging residents to take a minute to consider their healthcare needs over the long weekend.

“In particular we’re urging people to make sure they know the range of options available to them for the treatment of minor injuries and ailments.

“For example, many pharmacies in South Gloucestershire are open during the bank holiday weekend and can provide expert and confidential advice for minor ailments as well as advising people on medication, contraception and sexual health.

“We’re also encouraging people with long-term conditions to plan ahead by making sure they have the medication they need to last the weekend. Simple steps like these can play a big part in preventing minor problems, such as a lack of medication, turning into a crisis over the bank holiday weekend.”

Full details of local non-emergency services and pharmacy opening times are available on the South Gloucestershire CCG website at www.southgloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/choosewell