NHS Norfolk is reminding anyone needing medical attention over the bank holiday to remember to “Choose Well.”

Choose Well is the national campaign to help people find the right care closer to home when they need it.

In many cases a safe and appropriate way of dealing with a minor complaint when your GP Practice is closed will be to visit a community pharmacist or call NHS Direct for advice. There are also two walk-in centres in Norfolk where patients can receive swift treatment: Timber Hill Health Centre in Castle Mall, Norwich (7am-9pm) or the Minor Injuries Unit at Cromer from 8am-8pm. Both are open 365 days a year.

Dr Bryan Heap, NHS Norfolk’s Medical Director said: “We want everyone to enjoy a safe and pleasant Bank Holiday weekend but if people do feel unwell or hurt themselves they can often find the treatments or advice they need close to home.

“Certainly the best policy is to have a sensibly-stocked medicines cabinet with antiseptics, plasters, pain killers and regular medicines readily available. If you need further assistance then ‘Choose Well’ will signpost the way.”

The ‘Choose Well’ options in full:

1. The first option is self care – many minor illnesses can be treated with rest and a well-stocked medicines cabinet at home. Make sure you have your regular medicines, plasters, medicines for colds, re-hydration sachets etc. If you have any concerns you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

2. Pharmacists will be able to offer you some advice about over-the-counter medicines – such as coughs and colds.

3. If you have a minor injury or illness that needs treatment you should call your GP. Remember the Out of Hours service is for urgent problems only, can it wait until morning?

4. If you need to be seen immediately but you do not have a serious illness or injury, you can access the Timber Hill Health Centre in Castle Mall, Norwich (7am-9pm) or the Minor Injuries Unit at Cromer from 8am-8pm. Both are open 365 days a year.

There are 119 community pharmacies across NHS Norfolk’s area. Pharmacy opening times can be found at www.norfolk.nhs.uk, on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk, or you can call NHS Direct for details of pharmacy services available in your area on 0845 46 47.