The local NHS is reminding people to contact NHS 111 first if they need urgent care over the coming Bank Holiday weekend, when GP practices will be closed.

NHS 111 is staffed by a team of trained professionals and clinicians who will provide over the phone triage, and can book face to face appointment slots at a local NHS Walk-in Centre, out of hours GP practice, or hospital A&E department if required.

By calling NHS 111 patients will get the treatment they need quickly, but will also be safely socially distanced while they wait to be seen.

However, people should still dial 999 as normal in a medical emergency, when someone is seriously injured, their life is at risk, or they could be having a heart attack or stroke – every second counts with these conditions.

People can also book an appointment at a local NHS Walk-in Centre between 8am–8pm daily, by calling 0300 100 1004 to arrange an appointment.

Some local pharmacies will also continue to be open over the bank holidays, and can provide advice on treating lots of minor ailments and injuries. Please click here to check your local branch’s bank holiday opening times.

To access NHS 111, go to 111.nhs.uk or dial 111 at any time – it operates 24 hours a day, every day.

BSL users can use the NHS 111 video interpreter service by going to www.interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111.