Pharmacies on hand for help

Patients can save time in the waiting room by visiting their pharmacist for quick, confidential advice on a range of common illnesses.

Pharmacists are highly trained experts and fully qualified to give health advice on a range of issues including coughs, trouble breathing, colds and sore throat.

They are easy to access, often locally based, you do not need an appointment and they are often open longer hours.

It is also essential to stock up medicine cabinets so when GP practices are closed over the May Bank Holiday you have all you need.

This includes things such as pain relief medicines, sore throat remedies, cough remedies, plasters and bandages, antihistamines and antiseptic cream.

Kathryn Hilliam, Head of Primary Care for NHS West Yorkshire said: “Your local pharmacy can help you with more than you might think.

“Pharmacists offer expert, confidential advice and treatment for many minor health problems.

“As most GP surgeries will be closed on Monday we would also encourage patients to order any medication they need in plenty of time so they have a good supply during the bank holiday.”

People have also been advised to collect prescriptions in advance of the bank holidays.

Patients can call the NHS non-emergency line on 111 if they are ill but it is not urgent.

Pharmacy opening hours in Calderdale over the bank holidays are as follows:

Tesco In-Store Pharmacy, Huddersfield Road, Brighouse, HD6 1RZ, 01484 887847, Monday, May 25, 11am-4pm.

Boots Brighouse, Commercial Street, Brighouse, HD6 1AF, 01484 714070, Monday, May 25, closed.

Brighouse Pharmacy, Church Lane, Brighouse, HD6 1AT, 01484 766909, Monday, May 25, closed.

Tesco, Bradford Road, Brighouse, HD6 1RZ, Monday, May 25, 9am-6pm.