With a double bank holiday approaching people across the Bradford district are being advised to stock up on prescriptions and medicines.

NHS Bradford and Airedale is reminding people that routine health services will take a break over the Easter and Royal Wedding bank holidays.

Some doctors, dentists and pharmacists will be closed or have restricted opening hours over both bank holiday weekends.

Mike Edmondson, urgent care lead for NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “The demand on emergency care services always increases at this time of year, however we can all help to minimise this pressure by thinking about which service is more appropriate for our needs.

“It is vitally important that as patients we all understand that making the right choice will ensure that we get the right treatment from the right health care professional and at the right time.

“A&E departments are not always the best place for some patients; that’s why we provide a whole range of NHS services to help people in Bradford and Airedale in the evenings, over weekends and on bank holidays. An unnecessary trip to A&E can cause delays for more appropriate emergency cases.

“Remember to speak with your GP as early as possible to renew your prescription if you think that you might run out of medication over the Easter break. Making the right choice about where to go for health advice or treatment means you can get the right care at the right time.”

People have been urged to contact NHS direct 24-hours a day on 0845 4647 or visit nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

Residents of West Yorkshire who need to get urgent medical treatment can contact West Yorkshire Urgent Care on 0345 605 9999. For more information, visit the website wyucservices.nhs.uk.

A walk-in centre is based at Hillside Bridge Health Care Centre, 4 Butler Street West, Bradford, BD3 0BS, open everyday from 8am to 8pm, including bank holidays.

For serious illness or injury or life-threatening emergencies, dial 999, or go to your nearest accident and emergency department.