WITH hospitals expected to be under extra pressure over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend as people Worcestershire are being reminded there are a wind range of other NHS services on offer outside of normal GP opening hours.

Many GP practices and dentists will close this evening and not re-open again until Tuesday morning so the organisation responsible for arranging medical services in the south of the county is advising patients to be prepared.

South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group is reminding people to make sure they are fully stocked up on prescriptions as well as medications such as paracetemol and a first aid kit and to make sure they know when their GP practice is closed by visiting www.southworcsccg.nhs.uk/about-us.

Medical advice is available from NHS 111 but in an emergency always call 999.

Anyone unsure about whether they should go to A&E can visit www.isaandeforme.com.

Pharmacies can also offer help and advice.

Urgent care lead for the three CCG’s in Worcestershire Ruth Davoll said: “There are a number of different things people can do to manage whatever condition they may be living with.

“For example, making sure you collect your repeat prescription in good time will mean you're well equipped for the Easter break.

“If you need urgent medical help when your doctor’s surgery is closed, but it’s not a 999 emergency, call NHS 111, a free service which is open 24 hours a day.

“The NHS 111 advisors can give advice on how to look after yourself at home or direct you to a nearby NHS service that can help. They can also make an urgent appointment with the GP out-of-hours service, if you’re assessed as needing one.”