RESIDENTS in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to think early about repeat prescriptions and opening hours for GP practices and community pharmacies as the late May bank holiday approaches.

Choosing Well when you need health advice or support - by using NHS Direct or visiting your pharmacy - can have a hugely positive impact on busy emergency departments during peak holiday periods.

Mr Jeremy Williams, A&E consultant and clinical lead for unscheduled care said: “The best way the public can help our frontline staff, and ensure that they and their families can be seen quickly, is to use other health services and reserve our emergency departments for serious or life threatening situations. Ultimately this helps us to save lives.”

The Choose Well guidance can help families when they aren’t sure of the best health service to meet their needs. You can access advice and local contacts from the webpage www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell, or by downloading the Choose Well app on your mobile phone, which uses GPS to find your nearest service.

GPs advise that you get repeat prescriptions in as early as possible to avoid any delay.

If you need GP services when your usual surgery is closed at night or on weekends, you can ring your usual GP telephone number and you will be put through to the out-of-hours service. In Carmarthenshire, patients can now dial 111 to be put through to their GP Out of Hours.

For urgent dental care, you should contact your regular dentist or NHS Direct Wales Dental Helpline on 0845 4647.

For urgent social care, phone Social Services who have an out of hours number: Carmarthenshire – 01558 824283, Ceredigion – 0845 6015392, Pembrokeshire – 08708 509508.

If someone is in mental health distress, use C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline on 0800 132 737, Text ‘help’ to 81066, or visit www.callhelpline.org.uk

Minor ailments and illnesses can often be supported by a community pharmacist. For a list of pharmacists in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire open during the Bank Holidays, visit the webpage http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/862/page/46867

Bank holiday Monday pharmacy opening times

Ceredigion: Boots, 3 Pendre, Cardigan, 01239 621578, 10am-4pm

Carmarthenshire: Boots, 12 Red Street, Carmarthen, 01267 243932, 10.30am-4.30pm

Tesco Instore Pharmacy, Morfa Lane, Carmarthen, 01172 917568, 9am-6pm

Morrisons Pharmacy, Parc Pensarn, Llanelli Rd, Carmarthen, 01267 236593, 9am-5pm.

Pembrokeshire: Boots, Unit 2, Withybush Retail Park, Haverfordwest 01437 762313, 9am-6pm

Tesco Instore Pharmacy, Fenton Trading Est, Haverfordwest 01172 912723 9am-6pm.