GP practices and many pharmacies will be closed on the Monday 4 and Monday 25 May bank holidays.

The NHS in Essex is reminding people to make sure they know where to get medical advice and support if they need it, and to order their repeat prescriptions in advance of the long weekends.

Residents who take regular medication should order repeat prescriptions at least seven working days in advance to ensure they have enough over the bank holiday weekends.

For urgent medical advice, people should use NHS 111 online or by phone, available 24 hours a day. Trained advisors can direct you to the most appropriate service and help you get the care you need more quickly. Some pharmacies will be open on bank holiday Mondays. Opening times and available services can be checked using the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/

Support for mental health is also available 24/7 by calling NHS 111 and select the mental health option to access urgent support.

For serious or life-threatening emergencies, people should continue to call 999 or attend A&E.

Dr Matt Sweeting, Medical Director at NHS Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “However you might be planning to spend the bank holiday weekends, being prepared ahead of time will help make sure you know what to do if you need to use NHS services.

“NHS 111 should be your first port of call for any urgent needs. They can direct you to the most appropriate service for your needs, saving you time and unnecessary waiting. For life-threatening and serious conditions, please call 999.

“I’d also like to thank NHS staff who will be working over these long weekends, meaning that our services continue to be there for people when they need help.”

The 111 online symptom checker and phone line are open 24 hours a day. Emergency lines are open 24 hours a day for serious and life-threatening emergencies.