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With another bank holiday approaching this Monday, 26 May, it’s important you know where to go if you, or someone else, become unwell over the long weekend.

If you take regular medicines on repeat prescription and you need to order more, remember to give as much notice as possible. Every bank holiday, NHS 111 sees huge increases in people getting in touch because they’ve run out of a prescription medicine.

By being prepared you can save yourself time and ensure NHS 111 is there for those who really need it.                        

Going to your local pharmacy is already an easy and convenient way to get expert advice about minor conditions. Under Pharmacy First, your pharmacist can now assess and treat seven more conditions including earache, sore throat and urinary tract infections without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.

If your health issue isn’t one of the seven Pharmacy First conditions or something a pharmacist can’t already help with, you may be advised to see your GP.  How pharmacies can help.

Many pharmacies will still be open over the bank holiday weekend but there are likely to be changes to opening hours. The Greater Manchester Bank Holiday Pharmacy Opening Hours page has more details.  Greater Manchester pharmacies opening hours.

If you have pain in your mouth, teeth or gums, call the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline on 0333 332 3800. It is available 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays, for those who need urgent help when their dental practice is closed, or do not have a regular dentist. A charge may apply.

Greater Manchester’s Urgent Eye Care Service can provide help quickly if you have a sudden change in vision, red or painful eyes or new flashes or floaters.

The service is available throughout the week including evenings and weekends. Go to Minor and urgent eye care services to find an optician that is part of the service. This is not a walk-in service so always call first.

For mental health crisis support there are free 24/7 helplines covering Greater Manchester. For Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford and Wigan residents, call 0800 953 0285. For Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop the number is 0800 014 9995.

Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester said: “It’s always useful to have a basic self-care kit at home to manage the symptoms of minor health conditions. This can include painkillers, plasters, anti-diarrhoea tablets and antihistamines, all of which can be bought from your local supermarket or pharmacy. 

“But if you need expert advice use NHS 111 online or call 111 to get assessed and be directed to the right place which may be a pharmacy or a walk-in centre. If you have a serious or life-threatening injury, go straight to A&E. The NHS is here for you if you need it.”

If we get a spell of hot weather, there are health risks, so limit your time in the heat if you can. When outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, drink water and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.

For more information visit NHS advice – How to cope in warm weather.