ARE you prepared this bank holiday weekend? The NHS in Somerset is advising people to make sure they are prepared in advance of the extended break and are helping them to understand what’s open during the May bank holiday so they can choose the right health services for their needs.

While some pharmacies and healthcare settings are opening as usual over the bank holiday, most GP practices will be closed on Monday May 2 with normal opening hours resuming on Tuesday May 3.

It is important that people make sure they have enough of their repeat prescription to last. If they think they may not have enough, it is important that they order these in time to avoid running out. For those who don’t take regular medication, it is always worth having a well-stocked medicine cabinet to cover a range of minor conditions.

Many local community pharmacies will also be open on bank holiday Monday. As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can help with a wide range of minor health conditions, offering clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses from hay fever, coughs and colds to skin infections, aches, and pains.

The NHS is always here for anyone who needs it and if people are concerned about a medical issue, visiting 111.nhs.uk or calling NHS 111 will help ensure people get the right medical advice or treatment more quickly and, if needed, they will be able to arrange for individuals to be seen safely by the service that best meets their needs.

While it’s important that people continue to call 999 or go to their nearest A&E if they have life-threatening emergencies, there are also a number of Minor Injury Units in Somerset which can help with a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions, including broken bones, throat, chest, eye and urinary infections, emergency contraception, sprains, and strains, as well as wounds and bites.

If you do need to visit a healthcare setting during the bank holiday weekend, please remember to follow the health and safety guidance in place. This includes being asked to wear a mask to help keep everyone safe.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please stay at home and avoid passing it on to other people, particularly those who are more vulnerable.

Health advice and information is also available on the NHS website or from your local GP practice website which links to a range of online services and, in most cases, you can order repeat prescriptions online. For children’s health advice download the HANDi App, available for Android phones on Google Play or on the App store for iPhone and iPad