People are being urged to order repeat prescriptions in advance of the bank holiday weekend.

Health leaders across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire have issued the advice ahead of the bank holiday at the end of August.

Most pharmacies will close at the end of the day on Friday, August 23, and not reopen until Tuesday, August 27.

Gill May, chief nurse at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: "Some people who rely on their regular medication to stay well, such as those who are older or vulnerable, may become very poorly very quickly if their supply runs out.

"While missing a day’s medicine can be very dangerous for the individual, it can also cause problems for the wider health and care system, as those working in urgent and emergency care are often at their busiest during bank holidays."

Previous long weekends have seen some people needing to arrange emergency prescriptions from one of the few pharmacies open at the weekend or on the bank holiday itself.

Ms May said people can help ease the pressure on the health system over bank holidays by ensuring they have a good supply of their medicines and by choosing the most appropriate healthcare option for their condition.

People should be aware that GP practices will be closed on Monday, August 26, but other out-of-hospital healthcare services will still be running, including NHS 111, which is available online as well as over the phone, and some out-of-hours pharmacies.

The digital version of NHS 111, which can be accessed at www.111.nhs.uk, is able to provide real-time health and care advice based on a person’s specific symptoms and can also signpost people to nearby in-person services.

Pharmacies that remain open over the bank holiday will provide a similar service, with pharmacists able to advise on minor injuries and illnesses, suggest treatment options, and dispense emergency prescriptions.

People can find the opening times for their nearest pharmacy, as well as those which will be open during the bank holiday weekend, by using the Find a Pharmacy tool on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk.

Further information on all health and care services can be found at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk.

Those who find themselves in a genuine health and care emergency, such as experiencing severe chest pains, heavy bleeding, or loss of consciousness, should call 999 or visit the nearest hospital immediately.