NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG has arranged for extra GP appointments to be made available over the bank holiday weekend to avoid the need for patients to go to A&E.

General Practices are open as usual up to and including Wednesday 1 June and then open again as normal on Monday 6 June.

During the bank holiday weekend patients can use 111 online or call 111 to book an appointment with a GP or other clinician.

Pauline Hand, managing director of NHS 111 for the local area, said: "We would urge people to use 111 Online for advice or call 111 if you need to speak to a health advisor with an urgent medical problem and you are not sure where the best place would be to get treatment for your concern.

"Our website and health advisors can help you to get a General Practice appointment, direct you to an Urgent Treatment Centre or your nearest available A&E and Pharmacy, they can also advise you on the best course of self-care if you have a mild illness, rash, or infection.

"The recent bank holidays saw almost a fifth of calls to 111 relating to repeat prescriptions so we would urge anyone needing medication over the Jubilee Weekend to order their repeat prescriptions now through their General Practice, pharmacy or NHS App.

"This will ensure you have enough of the right medicine well ahead of the weekend, enabling you to enjoy your weekend in the best of health."

Residents are reminded that if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or have tested positive, please stay at home and away from others for at least five days (if over 18 or three days if under 18) to avoid passing on the virus. If you feel unwell and need medical advice please use 111 online or call 111.

Many pharmacies are open over the bank holiday weekend, you can find opening hours for your local pharmacy over the Bank Holiday Weekend here - https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy.