RESIDENTS and visitors to Devon are being reminded to plan for their healthcare needs ahead of the upcoming bank holiday and half term holidays.

With thousands of people expected to visit the county over the long weekend and school break, NHS Devon are encouraging everyone to make sure they know which service is right for their needs, to order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time and keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home for minor illnesses and injuries.

Community pharmacies can offer advice and treatment for a range of common conditions, while NHS 111 online and by phone is available 24 hours a day to direct patients to the most appropriate care.

Minor injuries units and urgent treatment centres can also help with non-life-threatening issues, helping residents and visitors alike get the right care, in the right place, as quickly as possible.

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

• Order and collect repeat prescriptions early, particularly if you are travelling or planning to be away over the bank holiday;

• Use community pharmacies and the Pharmacy First service for advice and treatment for common conditions, free contraception services and free blood pressure checks;

• Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk;

• Visit NHS 111 online or call 111 if you need urgent medical advice or are unsure which service you should use;

• Check in on vulnerable family members, friends or neighbours and make sure medicine cabinets are stocked with essentials;

• Seek urgent dental care via NHS 111, where advisers can assess your needs and arrange an appointment if required;

• Access mental health support through NHS 111 if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis