How to take care of your health over the bank holiday and help the NHS in the process - Dr James Thomas

Bank holiday weekends are always a particularly busy time for health and care services in the region. Our staff will be working throughout, but services are likely to be extremely busy, especially as there is planned industrial action by consultants on the Thursday and Friday before the weekend.

During this time there is likely to be a significant impact on services and disruption to appointments. So please, help us help you by choosing the right service if you need support by following these tips.

If you take regular medication, check you have enough for the week ahead and if you need more, please order and collect it before the bank holiday.For people who have repeat prescriptions, electronic repeat dispensing (known as eRD) gives them the reassurance of knowing their next prescription will be ready for collection at their pharmacy when they need it, and flexibility so they have medication at busy times like bank holidays.

Guidance on how to order a repeat prescription is also available on the NHS website, or you can use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, or change your nominated pharmacy, in just a few taps.

You can also use the NHS website to find a pharmacy near you which will be open over the bank holidays.

Ensure that you keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet so that you can treat minor illnesses or injuries at home.This might include a thermometer, pain relief, decongestants, antihistamines, indigestion remedy, anti-diarrhoea medicine, plasters, antiseptic and bandages There’s more advice on the NHS website or you can ask for advice at your local pharmacy.

If you’re the parent or carer of young children you can also find trusted health advice by visiting the West Yorkshire Healthier Together website. It is a free website developed by local healthcare professionals that has lots of useful information and advice for families.

If you or someone you care for needs mental health support visit the website for details of local services. Support will continue to be available throughout the bank holiday period.

For urgent help in a mental health crisis, call your local 24 hour helpline. In Bradford that is 0800 952 1181. While in Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield the number to call is 0800 183 0558.

Finally, if you or someone close to you needs medical help, please get advice about the most appropriate treatment option by using 111 online (111.nhs.uk) or calling 111 if you don’t have access to the internet.

Remember 999 and A&E departments are for the most serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses.

Regardless of the bank holiday, the NHS is urging anyone who needs medical care to continue to come forward in the normal way and to attend booked appointments unless they are contacted.

Dr James Thomas is the medical director for the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.