Don’t wait to get help. Knowing your healthcare options can help you keep yourself and your family well this May bank holiday

As we head into another bank holiday, we’re encouraging everyone to plan ahead and know where to turn if you or your family need help. This advice is for local residents as well as anyone visiting Dorset.

Check you have the medications you need

Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, make sure you have the medications that you need. Before ordering repeat prescriptions:

  • Check your current supplies to avoid unnecessary stockpiling

  • Only order what you need to help reduce medication waste and ensure availability for others

For more tips on managing your prescriptions visit our medicines waste page.

Visit your local pharmacy

Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can help with:

  • Allergies

  • Constipation

  • Earaches and headaches

  • Sore throats and more

They can offer advice, treatment, and over-the-counter medicine, often without the need for a general practice surgery appointment.

Visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for other urgent care needs

If you need urgent (but not emergency) care, don’t wait, NHS 111 is here for you:

If needed, they’ll help book you into a minor injuries unit or urgent treatment centre. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may be offered an appointment later that day (or the next) or signposted elsewhere, depending on your needs.

The 111 service can also help if you are unsure what to do and need guidance.

Contact your general practice surgery for non-urgent care

For issues that can wait a day or two, contact your general practice surgery. You may not always need to see a doctor – other team members like nurse practitioners, pharmacists or paramedics based in the practice might be better placed to help.

This helps you get quicker care and frees up GP time for others who need it most.

Mental health support is here 24/7

Feeling overwhelmed or in crisis?

Call Connection on 0800 652 0190. Available 24/7, even over the bank holiday weekend.

Think home not hospital

If you or someone you care about is in hospital, start planning now for their return home:

  • Can family or friends help with the transition?

  • Are any adjustments needed at home?

Due to high demand in hospitals, you may be asked to move to a different care setting (like community rehab) to continue recovery outside of hospital.

Thank you for only using 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies

Please don’t delay care if it’s a serious emergency, always call 999 or go to your nearest A&E (emergency department) if needed.

If it’s not life-threatening, using other services helps us keep emergency care available for those who truly need it most.

Thank you for keeping 999 and A&E clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies.

Useful links:

For people visiting Dorset this May bank holiday, plan ahead and know where to get help

NHS Dorset is asking holidaymakers to prepare ahead so you can enjoy your time and get the right care if you need it.

Before you travel, make sure you’ve packed enough of any regular medication to last your whole stay. Local pharmacies may be closed or have reduced hours over the May bank holiday weekend and arranging emergency prescriptions can take time.

If you or anyone you are travelling with starts feeling unwell, don’t wait.

NHS 111 is available 24/7 online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.

They can help you find the right service and even book you an appointment at a local urgent treatment centre or minor injuries unit if needed.

If you are unsure who to contact, call 111 or visit 111 online for guidance.

Pharmacists are trained to help with a range of minor health problems like earaches, sore throats, allergies, and tummy bugs. You don’t need an appointment.

Find an open pharmacy near you.

If you feel suddenly sick, experience vomiting or diarrhoea, stay where you are, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. Please don’t visit hospitals or care homes while unwell, as it spreads very easily.

More information on norovirus.

Feeling overwhelmed or in crisis?

Call Connection on 0800 652 0190, available 24/7, even over the bank holiday weekend.

For serious injuries, chest pain, breathing difficulties, or signs of stroke, call 999 or head to A&E. For anything else, use 111 or speak to a pharmacist first.

Find urgent and emergency care services – NHS UK

For more information on which service to use when visit Stay Well Dorset.

For advice on what to do when your child or infant is poorly, visit Healthier Together.

If you need mental health support, call Connection on 0800 652 0190 which is open 24/7 or find information about further support at Access Mental Health Dorset.