With another long weekend ahead please remember that most GP practices are closed on Monday 2 May and more people are outdoors enjoying everything Devon has to offer. This will lead to increased pressure on our services.

Bank holidays will see many patients calling the NHS 111 helpline because they have run out of medication, leading to unnecessary worry for themselves and increasing pressure on busy urgent care and out-of-hours NHS services.

Please check that you have enough of your prescription medication to get you through the long weekend and any trips away that you may be planning.

If you need medical care, contacting 111 first will get you the right treatment, more quickly. You can access the most appropriate care and advice more quickly and conveniently by calling 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk, at any time of day or night.

Please also remember to make use of your local pharmacy. Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you and your family with minor health concerns. As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. To find your local pharmacy and see bank holiday opening times please click here.

People are being reminded that if they need to speak to their GP while away from home over the holidays, that they can contact their practice for an online consultation and advice during practice opening hours. This advice also applies to visitors travelling to Devon.  All GP practices now offer remote consultations, either online or by telephone, and can be contacted for advice when away from home.