HEALTH and care services are reminding those in need that they are #StillHereToHelp over the bank holiday.

Many pharmacies will be open on Monday, May 25, as well as over the bank holiday weekend for advice.

Pharmacists are experts in medicine and they can help with minor health concerns such as headaches, hay fever and sickness. As qualified healthcare professionals, they can give you clinical advice, suggest which medicines would be best to help and also let you know where to go if you do need to see a different health professional such as a GP.

You do not need an appointment to get advice from a pharmacy and people can still ask for advice during the coronavirus pandemic.

Opening times and contact information for all pharmacies can be found on the NHS website at: www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/pharmacies/

People should stay at home and not to go to a pharmacy, or any other health care setting, if they have symptoms of coronavirus.

Symptoms include a high temperature and/or a new continuous cough, along with loss of taste or smell. You are also asked to protect yourself and others and stay at home if you live with someone who has symptoms, or you have been identified by the NHS as being at very high risk from coronavirus.

Dr James Thomas, GP and clinical chair at NHS Bradford District and Craven clinical commissioning group, said: “Pharmacies, which are a great first port of call for advice on common minor illnesses, such as hay fever, headaches and small strains and sprains. Pharmacies, like other health and care services, are very much still here to help. You can drop into a pharmacy or call them for advice, you don’t need to book an appointment.

“Pharmacies are providing a lifeline for patients and the public, working really hard to ensure access to vital medicines is maintained.

"Please remember to follow social distancing advice and stay two metres away from other people."