STAY safe – and think before visiting hospital this bank holiday weekend.

That's the message from Dorset clinicians who are asking people to use the most appropriate care if they fall ill or suffer an injury.

With temperatures set to rise, people out enjoying the sun are reminded to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and to stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day to avoid heat-related ailments such as sunstroke and sunburn.

If you do need medical help this weekend, there are several options, depending on your level of need:

111

Call 111 if you are not sure who to ask, or if you just need advice. NHS 111 is a free, 24-hour service, 365 days of the year, and is staffed by a team of fully trained advisers, supported by experienced nurses and paramedics. They will ask you questions to assess your symptoms, then give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you to the local service that can best help you. That could be A&E, an out-of-hours doctor, an urgent care centre or a walk-in centre, a community nurse, an emergency dentist or a late-opening chemist.

Pharmacy

Visit your pharmacy for help with headaches, coughs, colds and upset stomachs. Over the bank holiday, it’s important to know where your local pharmacy is, and its opening hours. Full details can be found at www.nhs.uk

GP

Visit your local GP practice for routine care such as backache, persistent pain, or a painful cough. As with pharmacies, your GP practice may have different opening times over the Bank Holiday, so be sure to check ahead of time.

Minor Injuries Unit

For injuries like sprains and strains that aren’t serious, visit your local Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), or the Weymouth Community Urgent Care Centre.

Emergency Department

You should only use an emergency department in life-threatening situations, such as heaving bleeding, for broken bones, chest pain, suspected stroke or severe burns.

If you have regular prescription medicines, take care not to run out. It can take up to 48 hours to process and fulfil repeat requests at your GP practice, and your pharmacist will need time to prepare and, if necessary, order stock. Similarly, if you’re planning a trip, be sure to let your GP practice and pharmacy know in good time to ensure you don’t run out of your prescribed medicines while you’re away.

If you do run out while you’re away, speak to your usual GP practice at the earliest opportunity. Do not call 111 or attend your local Emergency Department, as they are unable to prescribe medicines.

More healthcare advice, along with opening times for local pharmacies and links to local services, can be found at www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk