THE NHS has warned residents in the north west about using its services during the bank holiday weekend.

Strike action, combined with the usual increased bank holiday use of the NHS, is expected to cause some strain on the services over the weekend.

The NHS is urging those who need treatment to attend A&E and use the NHS as normal but is warning that patients should be mindful that the service is prioritising those who need urgent attention.

Warrington Guardian: The NHS has said that it will still treat those who require medical attention, but the service will be under strain this weekendThe NHS has said that it will still treat those who require medical attention, but the service will be under strain this weekend (Image: Newsquest)

According to a statement put out by the NHS 'it is vital the public are aware of the pressure the health service will be under and know the best way to access care during [the bank holiday].'

The Royal College of Nurses will participate in strike action from 8pm on Sunday, April 30 to midnight on May 1 - this is part of an ongoing dispute regarding working conditions and pay.

As per the NHS statement, members of the public are being urged to check which pharmacies will be open locally over the weekend, as well as ensure they have enough regularly prescribed medication to get them through the four-day weekend.

Regional medical director Dr Michael Gregory said: “The combination of a bank holiday and industrial action means that we expect our services to be more pressured than usual.

"If [members of] the public have an emergency or life-threatening illness or injury they should seek help as usual, but for more minor injuries, there may be more appropriate services they can access to ensure they get timely help and advice.

“For example using 111 online gives the same responses as the phone service, but may give a quicker answer than contacting the phone line.

"In addition, community pharmacies offer a range of services and have a wealth of information and expertise if someone needs advice.”

While it is too late to order repeat prescriptions for regular medication in time for this weekend, patients are advised that the quickest way to get an emergency repeat prescription over the weekend is through the NHS 111 online service at www.111.nhs.uk.