HEALTH chiefs are reminding visitors and local people in Teignbridge to be prepared for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Patients can get treatment for common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.

Pharmacy First enables community pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit a GP.

These are: sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo (a bacterial skin infection), shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

Treatment for all these conditions is available in person at pharmacies or by contacting them online.

People are advised to check the opening hours of pharmacies in their local area on the NHS England South West website.

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: ‘We have seen some lovely warm days throughout May but conditions can change quickly so we ask everyone to make simple preparations to keep themselves well, whatever the weather.

‘Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency but for non-urgent care look at what other services you can access for help if you need it.’