THE region’s NHS 111 urgent care service is urging people to check that they have sufficient medication to last them over the forthcoming bank holiday weekend.

The NHS 111 service receives a significant number of calls from patients who have run out of their regular medication and is asking people to check that they have sufficient stocks to last them over the forthcoming long weekend.

Dr Philip Foster, associate medical director of the NHS 111 service in Yorkshire and the Humber, Bassetlaw, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire, said: “When people are busy they can easily forget to check that they have enough medication to see them through a bank holiday period.

"We are taking this opportunity to remind people to request repeat prescriptions from their GP as soon as possible so they can enjoy the weekend without the worry of running out of vital tablets and medicines. If you have relatives or friends coming to stay with you, please remind them to pack their medicines.

“We are also asking everyone to ensure that they have a well-stocked medicine cabinet so that if they fall ill with common summer ailments such as hay fever and insect bites and stings they can treat themselves at home.”

Be prepared for most common ailments by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Pharmacy/Pages/Yourmedicinecabinet.aspx

Check out health advice on treating common summer illnesses at NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Summerhealth/Pages/Summerhealthhome.aspx