AS the country prepares to celebrate the historic Platinum Jubilee, the NHS in Devon is reminding people where to get help if they need it and to ensure they have enough prescription medication for the double bank holiday as most GP practices ask patients to order their repeat prescriptions at least three days in advance. The NHS expects to experience similar extra pressures to those typically seen over the long bank holiday at Easter, with many GP practices closed on the public holidays and more people out enjoying the outdoors.

Dr Nigel Acheson, Medical Director for NHS Devon, said: ‘Our NHS staff are still on hand if you need them, but please help us by choosing the right service and ensuring you have enough prescription medication to get you through the extended bank holiday.

‘If people are visiting Devon over half-term, they can contact their practice back home for an online consultation and advice during practice opening hours in the run up to the bank holiday.’

For more urgent issues, phone 111 or visit the NHS 111 website to get the right treatment, more quickly, at any time of day or night.