Visitors and local people are being encouraged to prepare well and make best use of health services over this May bank holiday weekend between 24 – 26 May 2025.

Patients can get treatment for common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. Pharmacy First enables community pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit a GP. These are:

• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Earache
• Infected insect bite
• Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women

You can get treatment for these conditions by walking into the pharmacy or contacting them online. People are advised to check the opening hours of pharmacies in their local area on the NHS England South West website

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “We have seen some lovely warm days throughout May but conditions can change quickly so we ask everyone to make simple preparations to keep themselves well, whatever the weather. 

“Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency but for non-urgent care look at what other services you can access for help if you need it.”

The message is that urgent and emergency health care will be there for you, but please choose the right service for your needs.

Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, the advice is to:

• Make sure you have collected any repeat medicines, especially if you are travelling
• Continue to call 999 in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk
• Go to NHS 111 online if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital; you can also phone 111
• Play your part by taking simple steps to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
• Make sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked
• Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. Local opening hours can be viewed on the NHS England South West website
• If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from 111.

Visitors to Devon are also reminded that their first port of call for GP care is their home practice, which will be able to provide online, phone and video consultations as well as arranging for prescriptions to be sent to any pharmacy you choose.

Dr Collins concludes: “Thank you to the many dedicated individuals working in the NHS over the bank holiday weekend to keep our local communities safe and well.”