HEALTH chiefs are warning county residents to only visit A&E departments if necessary this bank holiday.

Emergency services are placed under extra pressure during bank holidays with many people choosing to visit A&E unnecessarily.

There will be a change in opening times for some NHS services, like GP practices and pharmacies, with some closures on Monday, which can be found on each of the three Worcestershire CCG websites.

On behalf of the three Worcestershire CCGs, Jo Galloway, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG and NHS Wyre Forest CCG said: “It’s important to plan ahead and make sure you’re fully prepared for the bank holiday weekend.

"There are a number of different things people can do to be ready, for example, collect your repeat prescription in good time, keep your medicine cabinet fully stocked and know which healthcare services are available to you."

Many minor complaints such as coughs and colds can be treated by staying at home and getting plenty of rest.

Local pharmacists can give expert, confidential advice or medicines for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, tummy troubles and much more.

Residents can call 111 for fast medical advice when it's not an emergency. This can include arranging an out-of-hours GP appointment.

Minor Injury Units (MIUs) offer fast, convenient and expert care for minor conditions including cuts, grazes, sprains and burns.

Units are located at Evesham Community Hospital in Waterside and Malvern Community Hospital in Worcester Road as well as in Bromsgrove, Kidderminster and Tenbury.

A&E and Minor Injuries Unit waiting times can be found at www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/how-busy-are-the-emergency-departments-and-minor-injuries-units-right-now.