RESIDENTS are being urged to plan ahead of the Easter bank holiday by stocking up on medication.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is expecting a 31% increase in calls to its NHS 111 service over the bank holiday weekend.

NHS 111 Online offers a new way to access healthcare for patients who need urgent help and advice and NWAS are hoping people will use this service.

Head of service for 111 at NWAS Jackie Bell said: “Easter is one of the busiest times of year for our NHS 111 service.

"With two bank holidays and Easter Sunday, people often forget to make sure they have the medication they need in plenty of time and may need medical help before their GP reopens on Tuesday.

“We’ll be increasing our staffing levels by 45% with more health advisors on duty over the weekend but we’re urging people to make the most of NHS 111 Online if they need to which is now available across the North West.”

Over the Easter period, NWAS also sees a rise in avoidable 999 calls, examples from last year include someone struggling to sleep, back pain lasting a few days, someone who had drank too much alcohol and a filling falling out of a tooth.

Emergency operations centre sector manager Peter Ballan said: “With the forecast looking good, we know that lots of people will be enjoying the sun outdoors so please take extra safety precautions and if you’re having an Easter tipple, please know your limits.

“We tend to see an increase in calls around the holiday periods as many people don’t know what alternative care is available when their GP practice is closed.

“Wherever possible we aim to encourage self-care at home for minor ailments and therefore it is important to keep a well-stocked medicine cupboard including essentials such as; paracetamol, antihistamines, anti-diarrhoea tablets, indigestion treatment, sunscreen and a first aid kit.

“Information on a wide range of common health problems can be found on www.nhs.uk.”

NWAS is urging people to consider self-care at home or NHS 111 Online: 111.nhs.uk