NHS warning as doctors advise Brits to stock up on medical essential before Easter Bank Holiday weekend

An NHS trust has given out a warning to Brits before the Easter bank holiday four-day weekend.

Patients have been told to make sure their medicine cabinets are stocked with plenty of drugs and medical supplies for common ailments,

Birmingham Live reports. Dr Neil O’Brien, from the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "One of the best things people can do is keep some basic medicines at home such as paracetamol, plasters, indigestion remedy and anti-diarrhoeal medicine.

"It’s also important to have enough repeat medicine to last over the holidays." The doctor went on: "If people are unwell, then of course we are here to help, but we are also asking everyone to make sure they are well prepared for the holidays. Whether you’re working in the garden, tackling some DIY or taking part in outdoor activities, please, please, remember to do it safely – and this also includes taking care when drinking alcohol," he said.

He added: "Unfortunately, over bank holidays, we often see many people turn up at A&E and emergency services with illness, injury, accidents and violence-related incidents due to drinking too much. While we understand people want to enjoy themselves, we know they don’t want to spend their valuable holiday time in A&E or hospital because they’ve overdone it!" The NHS website has provided a list of pharmacies that will remain open.

These will be open for limited hours in order to help customers get any essential medicines or treatments. Christmas, New Year, Easter and other bank holiday opening times for pharmacies across England have been published on NHS England’s website. People are advised to contact the pharmacy before attending to ensure they are open and have the medication required.