The late summer bank holiday is coming up on Monday 26th  August, and NHS Greater Manchester have some top tips to help keep you and your family healthy over the long weekend:

• Check your medication and order what you need from your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time before the bank holiday. GP practices and pharmacies will have reduced opening hours so it’s important to leave enough time for your surgery to process a repeat prescription and for a pharmacy to dispense it.

• Stock up your medicine cabinet. You can treat many minor illnesses and injuries with over-the-counter medicine, so make sure you have all the essentials such as pain killers, plasters, and antihistamines.

• Prepare for hot weather. If the sun comes out and temperatures rise, keep your family hydrated by drinking water, apply sunscreen regularly and spend time in the shade.

• Make a note of the address of your nearest pharmacy and its bank holiday opening times, which may be different to normal opening hours. Your local pharmacy is a great source of expert advice on a range of minor illnesses. Check which pharmacies are open in your local area. Find a pharmacy

• It is very important people do not delay seeking help from the NHS if they feel unwell, and using the right NHS service means you get the right treatment sooner. Visit nhs.uk to get to know where to go.

• Call 999 or go to A&E only if there is a medical emergency, where someone is seriously injured, or their life is at risk.

The bank holiday is great opportunity to go on a trip away, spend some quality time with family or catch up on some much-needed rest, but it can also be stressful or lonely for some. There are NHS services to support you through challenging times including local food banks if you’re struggling with food bills, and mental health helplines if you need to talk. Visit Get to Know Where to Go to find out more.

 
Your ‘just in case’ bank holiday contact list:

• Dentist: The Greater Manchester Dental Helpline for urgent dental problems call 0333 332 3800. Opening hours are 8am to 10pm.

• Eyes: The Greater Manchester Urgent Eye Care Service for sudden eye problems visit NHS Greater Manchester Community Urgent Eye Care Service. Practices opening hours may vary so check online.

• Mental Health: Free 24/7 crisis support helplines for Stockport residents on 0800 014 9995.

• Pharmacy: Find your local pharmacy and its opening hours.