The NHS in London is encouraging people to prepare for their healthcare needs ahead of the upcoming bank holiday weekend, by ordering and collecting repeat prescriptions and making sure family members also have enough medication for any health conditions.
Services may also be impacted by the upcoming industrial action by consultants which is taking place from 07:00 on Thursday 24 August until 07:00 on Saturday 26 August.
For Londoners attending the Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday 27 August or Monday 28 August, please take care and remember to drink responsibly, be aware of others and plan your journey home.
Some GP services and pharmacies may be closed over the long weekend or operating on reduced hours. The opening times of local pharmacies can be found through the NHS Find a Pharmacy site.
It is vital people continue to call 999 in emergencies, or when someone’s life is at risk to get fast and urgent care.
Dr Chris Streather, Medical Director for the NHS in London said:
“Emergency services in the capital are typically extremely busy during bank holiday weekends so taking the suitable steps to look after your health, as well as your friends and family is important.
“We want people to enjoy the final bank holiday of the summer, by taking extra precautions and having enough medication to last throughout the weekend so that any preventable trips to A&E are avoided.
“Using our NHS 111 online service will give you fast advice and direct you to the best care for any non-urgent health concerns. However, if anyone needs NHS urgent care over the weekend, if they are in a life-threatening situation, please continue to call 999.”
