As people make plans for the May bank holiday weekend the NHS in Sefton is encouraging you to also be prepared in case of any accidents or minor ailments. Health professionals from NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS South Sefton CCG suggest making sure you have all the necessary supplies and information just in case. GP practices will be closed on the bank holiday Monday (27 May) but there are several other ways for you to access medical help during this time, if you need it. Being aware of how to treat minor ailments such as burns, cuts and coughs and ensuring you have all the supplies to do so means you can get back to enjoying the bank holiday quicker. Susanne Lynch, head of medicines management at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG said: “One of the ways to take care of yourself this bank holiday weekend is to make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked for minor illnesses such as coughs, colds and sore throats. As GP practices won’t be open as much as usual, self-care is the best way to deal with any common health concerns you may have during the long weekend. “If you need any further advice, I would recommend calling NHS 111 or visiting your local pharmacy. Both of these services are excellent options for dealing with any non-urgent medical concerns.” Most pharmacies have private consultation rooms where they can advise you on self-care treatments and give you advice on your medication. Pharmacists can also advise you check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose, amongst many other things. You can call NHS111 to speak with a highly trained adviser who will assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.? You can also visit 111.nhs.uk to get medical advice on where and when to get help. If you do need an appointment there are now extended GP appointments of an evening or weekend across Sefton. These appointments can be booked in advance via the GP practice you are registered with or by calling 111. Jan Leonard, Director of Placeat the CCGs in Sefton, said: “The extended access GP service launched last October in Sefton and has been popular ever since. Open 365 days a year the service is really useful over bank holidays and weekends. You can book an appointment via your GP practice or NHS 111 can book an appointment with your nearest service as long as you are registered with a GP practice in Sefton.” You can find the pharmacy opening times for each CCG area here: South Sefton: https://www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/may-and-august-bank-holiday-opening-times-for-pharmacies/ Southport and Formby: https://www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/may-and-august-bank-holiday-opening-times-for-pharmacies/ For more information on how to treat minor medical concerns visit the Self Care Forum and the NHS website.