That’s the message from NHS Suffolk as it encourages people to be prepared to deal with any unexpected minor injury or illness over the August bank holiday weekend.

Lynne Wigens, NHS Suffolk’s chief nurse said: “A well-stocked medicine cabinet will save you a lot of time and trouble, should you be unfortunate enough to suffer a minor injury or illness this weekend.

“Make sure you have some paracetamol, anti-diarrhoeal medicine, rehydration mixture, indigestion remedy and plasters, including steri-strips.

“Pop down to your local pharmacy before this weekend and ask for some advice – your pharmacist is a trained professional who will be happy to help make sure you have everything you need. Stocking up needn’t be expensive and you could save money by buying own brand medicines instead of the big brands.

“Many people don’t bother having a stock of medicines as they think they will never need them. However, these are the people who will end up going to their local A&E department seeking treatment for a minor condition.

“A&E is not the place to go for treatment of minor conditions – by doing so they are using up valuable resources and could potentially delay the treatment of someone with a serious condition such as a heart attack or stroke.”

Issued by NHS Suffolk Communications Team on 01473 770014

For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk