Wye Valley NHS Trust are urging people to take care around the home and garden across Herefordshire this Easter.

The Easter break often sees a spike in accidents around the home and garden caused by a combination of the long Bank Holiday weekend, school holidays, longer days and (hopefully) improving weather.

Everyone needs to be careful, but children aged under five and adults aged over 65 are most at risk.

Simon Hairsnape, Accountable Officer at Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Holiday periods always see a rise in domestic accidents so we really would urge people to be careful and know how to get appropriate help or treatment if they do have an accident.

“A trip to the pharmacy to stock-up on First Aid items and over-the-counter remedies such as antiseptic and painkillers is also a good idea, but Herefordshire Walk-In centre, the Taurus GP hubs and Ledbury Community Health & Care Centre also provide comprehensive care over the Bank Holiday period for any minor accidents.”

Help and advice is available 24-hours-a-day by ringing NHS 111 (just dial 111) for free.

Rachel McColm, Emergency Department consultant at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “If you are planning gardening or DIY please plan it properly, use the right equipment and stock up on basic first aid items such as antiseptic cream for bites and plant rashes, plasters for small cuts, for self-care at home.

"Simple measures such as putting on gloves could prevent many of the cuts. Wear strong shoes and trousers when mowing the lawn. Chemicals should be stored out of sight and out of reach of children and tools should always be tidied away after use.

“If you do need treatment for a cut, sprain, slip, trip or fall, and it’s not an emergency, consider going to a local pharmacy, walk in centre or local GP surgery when it’s open.

"To ensure we see and treat people who are extremely unwell or seriously injured and need urgent medical attention as quickly as possible, we are urging everyone to consider using other NHS services before turning up at the Emergency Department.”

The Taurus extended GP services at Pendeen Surgery, Kent Avenue will be available 6pm-8pm on weekdays and 8am-8pm Saturdays and Sundays, including bank holidays. Call your GP or NHS 111 to be referred.

For more information on opening times for services over Easter visit http://www.nhs.uk/service-search