West Midlands Ambulance Service reminding people to access the NHS 'sensibly' over bank holiday weekend
It's ahead of the four-day Easter bank holiday weekend which gets underway with Good Friday tomorrow (3 April)
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has highlighted the importance of people being prepared for the Easter bank holiday weekend and how they can help them deal with the demand they get.
The four days are anticipated to be the busiest one on the roads since 2022, with an estimated nearly 21m leisure journeys planned for it.
WMAS is reminding those who take regular medication to check they have enough in to last over the period, along with the different ways people can access health care support if they need it.
Murray MacGregor is a spokesperson for the service, he said: "I think the message at Easter and at all times of the year is that it's really important that people access the NHS sensibly.
"That starts with being prepared to look after yourself at home, for things likes colds, there's nothing the NHS can do for you other than recommend that you keep taking fluids and paracetamol to keep your temperature down.
"Equally at the other end, the emergency department at the hospital, the 999 service, are there for people who either have life-threatening illnesses or injuries and equally there are a range of other options available to people, so if people are unsure what sort of service they need, using 111 can make a big difference."
The West Midlands UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) team have also issued a warning ahead of the weekend to any families planning visits to farms or animal attractions.
It's reminding people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals, fences and other surfaces to avoid picking up harmful infections that can cause serious illnesses.