WITH the Easter bank holiday fast approaching, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is asking people to choose the right service for their needs and not to go to the Emergency Unit at University Hospital of Wales unless they have a serious, or life threatening illness or injury.

If you or your family happen to suddenly become ill, the GP out-of-hours service, many pharmacies and NHS Direct Wales will be working over the long weekend to make sure people can access the most appropriate care for them.

For common illness such as coughs or colds, you can visit your local pharmacy. Pharmacists can offer advice on how to best look after yourself at home with rest and over the counter treatments.

Make sure you have prescription drugs to last you over the long weekend. If you act now and request a repeat prescription, it will be ready for you when you need it.

The free Choose Well Wales app can locate the nearest health centre, GP practice, pharmacist or hospital across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan and even give you details of opening hours.

If you’re still unsure where to go for the right treatment or if you need urgent medical advice, you should call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is staffed by fully trained advisors and experienced clinicians.

Alice Casey, Chief Operating Officer said: “Often people needing medical help go to the Emergency Unit when there may be another service, for example their GP, pharmacist or NHS Direct Wales that is better placed to help.

“Our Emergency Unit only has the capacity to treat people who have serious, life-threatening or dangerous conditions. People can get the right advice and treatment faster and when they need it if they choose the right service for their symptoms or illness or injury.

“By helping people to choose well we can reduce the pressure on the NHS which helps us to see everyone more quickly.”