Health and care services in Herefordshire are preparing for a busy May Bank Holiday weekend (May 5th to 7th) and are asking people to look after themselves, their family, and neighbours during this time.

Dr Ian Tait, GP and Clinical Chair at Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “All partners are working together to ensure people are cared for appropriately. We know there is huge pressure on ambulance services, A&E, primary Care (GPs) and social care so we are also reminding people to use services considerately during this extremely busy time.

“It is important to plan ahead, stock up your medicine cabinets with plenty of time to spare so you can treat minor injuries and illnesses at home, avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor. People with long-term conditions like asthma, heart conditions and diabetes, should collect any repeat prescriptions they might need before the Bank Holiday weekend.

“If you do get ill during the May Bank Holiday weekend and it’s not life threatening, there are a number of health services available including your local pharmacist – visit Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group website www.herefordshireccg.nhs.uk/your-health for pharmacy opening times, contact your GP during opening hours, or call NHS 111 (available 24 hours a day) if you are unsure which service you need or require non-emergency medical guidance or an out of hours urgent GP appointment”.

Louise Weaver, Emergency Department Matron, at Wye Valley NHS Trust, added: “Our Emergency Department is extremely busy, particularly during Bank Holiday weekends, and we recognise that there will potentially be long waits for our patients, so if it’s not life threatening or serious make sure you consider the NHS alternatives available to you”.