THE South Western Ambulance Service has encouraged people to use the right healthcare for them this May bank holiday weekend.

The service is anticipating an influx of visitors to the region and reminded residents and visitors to call 999 only in a life-threatening emergency, when someone is seriously ill, injured or their life is at risk.

Bank holiday weekends can be a busy time for 999 services, especially in good weather.

The service issued its advice for the weekend.

It directed people to NHS 111 online for non-life-threatening medical help or advice and reminded everyone to ensure repeat medicines have been ordered and collected.

Community pharmacies can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications, with an interactive map on the NHS England website showing which are open across the weekend.

Visitors to the region should make their point of call for GP care their home practice.

They will be able to provide online, phone and video consultations as well as arranging to send medication to a pharmacy of their choice.

Wayne Darch, deputy director of operations at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We want to be there for everyone that needs us in a medical emergency, but we need your support to help us to help you. Please only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, this will ensure we have crews available for patients with the most life-threatening conditions.

“If you need urgent medical help, but not for an emergency, please visit NHS 111 online or a community service such as a minor injury unit or a pharmacy.

“I would also like to thank our people and NHS colleagues who will be working over the bank holiday weekend to help keep us all safe and well. Should you need their support, please be kind to them, they are working hard under huge pressures currently.”

People are asked not to call 999 back for an estimated ambulance arrival time, and should only call back if the patient’s condition worsens or if they no longer need an ambulance.