CHESHIRE GPs are urging people to help themselves and the NHS over the August bank holiday weekend by stocking up their medicine cabinet and choosing the right service if they need medical care.

Dr Rebecca Banks, a GP in Cheshire, said self-care accounted for around 80 per cent of all medical care in the UK and that it was possible to stock up the medicine cabinet with over-the-counter remedies for around £10.

She said: “Most people feel comfortable managing minor ailments like coughs and colds, particularly when they feel confident in recognising the symptoms and have successfully used over-the-counter medicines before.

“Products like paracetamol, ibuprofen and throat lozenges are available at low cost and without prescription.

“By taking care of minor ailments themselves, people can play a major role in reducing pressure on the NHS over what promises to be a very busy bank holiday weekend.

“They will also be helping free up health and care professionals to focus on higher-risk patients.”

Dr Banks recommended the NHS 111 online service (111.nhs.uk) as the first option for anyone needing to check symptoms or get health advice over the bank holiday weekend.

The 111 online service offers patients quick advice and the best options for getting the care they need, including getting a call back from a trained clinician, booking them an appointment in A&E or providing advice on how to help them recover.

Dr Banks said: “If you need help and use NHS 111 online first, it will ensure everyone who needs medical advice can access it quickly and conveniently while allowing staff in our A&Es to continue to care for the most seriously ill and injured patients.

“If you need care in the coming days, please do come forward using NHS 111 online first and allowing that service to put you in touch with a healthcare professional where necessary and help you get the treatment you need.”

NHS 111 online can tell people:

  • where to get help for symptoms if they’re not sure what to do
  • how to find general health information and advice
  • where to get an emergency supply of prescribed medicine
  • how to get a repeat prescription or emergency dental appointment.

People should still ring 999 if they experience:

  • signs of a heart attack such as pain like a heavy weight in the centre of the chest
  • signs of stroke such as the face dropping on one side
  • difficulty breathing
  • heavy bleeding that won’t stop
  • seizures or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat or tongue.