DOCTORS are advising people not to fall into the trap of assuming – wrongly – that only A&E remains open over this August bank holiday.

There will be a network of pharmacies which remain open, with “highly trained and experienced staff on hand to help”.

In recent years, the range of treatment and advice available at pharmacies has increased hugely. They can help people cope with many common health concerns, as well as supplying prescribed medicines.

For minor issues pharmacies should be the “first port of call” for “expert health advice”, especially over the bank holiday when most workplaces are closed. Dr Barbara Rushton, chair of the South Eastern Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which covers Whitehill and Bordon, said: “People tend to assume the best option for healthcare during a bank holiday is the emergency department, this of course is not the case. Depending on the nature of your illness, you can also call NHS111, attend a walk-in centre or visit a pharmacist.

“As we approach the bank holiday, it’s also important you plan ahead and check your medicine supplies to ensure you have enough to last throughout the weekend and beyond. The period after the bank holiday is also very busy for NHS staff and you can help to ease the pressure, as well as saving yourself a lot of time and trouble, by checking you have enough medication.”

Bank holiday opening times for district pharmacies can be found online at southeasternhampshireccg.nhs.uk/pharmacies.