Some people really need A&E. Do you?

The NHS in Gloucestershire is urging people to keep healthy over the summer Bank Holiday weekend by planning in advance, taking some simple steps and thinking twice before heading to A&E or calling 999 when it’s not an emergency.

  • If you are ill or injured and are not sure where to turn:
    • visit asapglos.nhs.uk
    • download the ASAP Glos NHS App free from your App store
    • call NHS111 or
    • visit the pharmacy for advice
  • Be prepared – make sure you get any prescriptions and medicines you might need before the long weekend
  • Don’t forget to order your regular prescriptions in advance and make sure you collect enough medication
  • Remember to take your prescribed medication with you if you are visiting family or friends
  • If you do run out of your normal prescribed medicines, most community pharmacies can help if you need an urgent prescription
  • Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, with medicines such as paracetamol which can treat a number of everyday illnesses
  • Take early action – seek advice from your local pharmacy if you have a long term health condition and are starting to feel unwell
  • Find the bank holiday pharmacy opening hours at: www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/your-services/pharmacists/
  • Use Emergency Services wisely – call 999 only when it’s a serious injury or a life threatening situation such as unconsciousness, heavy loss of blood, severe chest pain or stroke

Dr Hein Le Roux, GP and Deputy Clinical Chair at the CCG said:

“Please think about planning in advance to ensure that you and your family are well prepared for the Bank Holiday.

The range of healthcare options available is often greater than people realise. Please remember in particular that for non-emergencies, A&E isn’t the place to go.”

If you are ill or injured and are not sure where to turn, visit www.asapglos.nhs.uk, download the ASAP Glos NHS App free from your App store, call NHS111 or visit the pharmacy for advice.

To find your nearest pharmacist and details of opening hours over the Bank Holiday weekend, visit: https://www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/your-services/pharmacists or www.asapglos.nhs.uk.