Have a 'Platinum' bank holiday break and keep yourself well

The bank holiday weekend is fast approaching, and while some may be celebrating or getting away, our top tips will help prevent accidents or illness interrupting the fun.

From prepping your first-aid kit to familiarising yourself with the different ways you can access care, equip yourself with what you need to avoid a trip to our Emergency and Minor Injuries Unit, so that we can help those most in need.

Seven days is the charm…

If you are due to order or pick up your medication over the bank holiday break, things can take a little longer. Order your prescription seven days in advance of the bank holiday to ensure you get your medication in plenty of time.

Your community pharmacist’s opening times may change over the extended bank holiday, please ensure you familiarise yourself with these.

Stock up your first-aid kit

Most minor illnesses and injuries can be treated at home or on the go. Keeping a well-stocked first aid kit on hand can help to treat any minor cuts, scrapes, bumps or illnesses quickly and easily.

Your first aid kit should contain alcohol wipes, plasters, bandages, tweezers, scissors, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and antihistamines amongst other things. This NHS website contains all the information you’ll need for stocking a first aid kid.

Getting away? We’re still here for you.

Wherever you’re spending the bank holiday break in Wales, if you need to access healthcare information, advice or urgent care support, NHS 111 Wales is available.

Access a range of healthcare advice and local information on the NHS 111 Wales website, or speak to a call handler for urgent health advice and access to urgent out of hours care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dialling 111.

Know your Primary Choice

Your Primary Care team is your first point of contact for health care and are is made up of your GP, community pharmacy, dental and optometry (eye health) services. Knowing who to see for the best advice at the right time can help to ensure you get the most appropriate treatment as quickly as possible, so you can get back to enjoying your break.

Click here to meet your Primary Care team and understand who your Primary Choice is.

If you do need to be seen at the Emergency Unit or Minor Injuries Unit

If you, or someone you know experiences an injury or illness over the bank holiday weekend, and you think it needs to be assessed at the Emergency Unit or the Minor Injuries Unit, then please phone first by calling 111.

A call handler will assess your condition and, if appropriate, a CAV 24/7 clinician will call you back. If the clinician thinks that you require further assessment, you will be given a timeslot to attend the most appropriate service.

Please remember that 999 is still available to you in a serious or life-threatening emergency.

Following our tips will help you to enjoy the Platinum jubilee period safely and help to ease the pressure on our services so we can take care of those who need it most.