A local healthcare trust is urging people to think of their health needs in the run up to the long Easter weekend and to plan ahead – especially if they need medication.

The days immediately before and after bank holidays can be challenging for the NHS. With GP practices closed for a prolonged period, patients are advised to familiarise themselves with the many other treatment options, should they feel unwell or suffer an injury.

A medicine cabinet will help in treating many minor ailments at home, so now is the time to visit your pharmacy to make sure yours is well-stocked and up-to-date.

Repeat prescriptions for essential medicines will need to be arranged in plenty of time to avoid running out.

Dr Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer of NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board, said: “I hope that everyone can have a happy and relaxing Easter weekend, however they’re planning to spend it.

“If anyone becomes unwell, it’s important to make the right choice from the range of options available, including treating the illness or injury yourself at home, seeing a pharmacist, contacting 111 by phone or online, or visiting a minor injury unit or urgent care centre.

“For young people, or parents or carers of children, there’s the comprehensive Frimley Healthier Together website and app, which offers advice and support for wide-ranging situations. This can be found at: frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk.

“If you have concerns about your health now, please act immediately – don’t wait until the Bank Holiday weekend or afterwards, when many health services will be at their busiest.”