Doctors and nurses are urging local people to add health into their list of spring clean jobs this Easter.

Staff at Hywel Dda University Health Board are reminding people of the need to think early about repeat prescriptions, and opening hours of GP surgeries and community pharmacies as the Easter holidays approach.

And choosing well when you need health advice or support – by using NHS Direct or visiting your pharmacy — can have a hugely positive impact on busy Emergency Departments during peak holiday periods.

Jeremy Williams, A&E Consultant and Clinical Lead for Unscheduled Care, said, ‘The best way the public can help our frontline staff, and ensure that they and their families can be seen quickly, is to use other health services and reserve our Emergency Departments for serious or life threatening situations. Ultimately this helps us to save lives.’

The Choose Well guidance can help families when they aren’t sure of the best health service to meet their needs. Advice and local contacts can be accessed from the webpage www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell, or by downloading the Choose Well app on your mobile phone, which uses GPS to find the nearest service.

GPs advise that you get repeat prescriptions in as early as possible to avoid any delay.

Dr Alan Williams, GP at Ty Elli surgery in Llanelli, said, ‘Emergency services are available throughout the Easter Bank Holiday but please help those in need of emergency care by making sure you have your routine medication in stock and only attend Emergency Departments or out-of-hours GP is you cannot wait until after the holidays.’