The NHS in Rutland is urging patients to order their repeat prescriptions in good time for the bank holiday (August 28th to 30th), so that they do not run out of vital medications while services are closed.

Many GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours or will be closed over the August bank holiday, making it difficult for patients to access medicines at short notice.

GP practices require at least 48 hours' notice to process repeat prescriptions, so any repeat prescriptions needed should be requested by Wednesday 25th August. Patients can also order repeat prescriptions on the NHS app.

If people feel unwell over the holidays, they can check their symptoms using the NHS website www.nhs.uk which also includes a services finder to help people find the most appropriate local service for their needs.

There are several ways in which the NHS can be accessed over the long weekend.

• If you need urgent health advice when your usual GP practice is closed, please contact NHS111 online 111.nhs.uk or by phoning 111. This service provides advice and, if necessary, they can arrange for you to see a nurse or doctor at a local service. They can also book an arrival time slot at A&E if this is the appropriate place for you to be seen.

• Your local pharmacy, or chemist, isn't just the place where you pick up your prescribed medicines. Pharmacists are qualified health professionals and can advise on a whole range of ailments, including bites and stings, swelling and pain, skin conditions, colds, coughs, earache and gastric problems. You can view bank holiday opening times here. Alternatively, check on your local pharmacy website.

• If you have an urgent mental health need, call the Central Access Point (CAP) on 0808 800 3302, 24 hours a day. The service will arrange for you to speak to someone who can assess your needs and provide advice or refer you directly to an appropriate service.

• If it is a serious life-threatening emergency, call 999.

People are reminded that A&E is only for life threatening emergencies and should be avoided in all other cases.

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus, should not go to any health services in person, unless an appointment has been made in advance, and should instead contact NHS111 online www.111.nhs.uk or call 111.