PEOPLE across the region are reminded to plan their healthcare needs ahead of the May Day and Spring Bank holidays next month.

You can use NHS 111 online for urgent help on a wide range of health problems. It will direct people to the most appropriate local treatment option such as their GP service, a pharmacy consultation, a call-back from a nurse, or an urgent walk-in treatment centre.

People should still call 999 and go to A&E in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

But if you or someone close to you needs medical help over the bank holidays please remember that 999 and A&E departments are for the most serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses. If you’re unsure where or how to seek medical help, then please use 111 online or phone 111.

NHS 111 online connects people with medical advice quickly and with the same experts they can expect to reach by phoning 111. It’s available to everyone aged over five years and will direct callers to the most appropriate medical care in as little as 90 seconds.

Another way to access NHS services quickly and easily is through the NHS app.

People can use the app to order repeat prescriptions, access NHS 111 online, view their GP record, manage their organ donation decision, view messages, manage appointments, and much more.

The NHS app is transforming the way people manage their healthcare, enabling them to access key services from the comfort of their own home.

I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t already downloaded the app to give it a go and see how easy it is to manage their healthcare from the palm of their hand.

You can download the NHS app for free on the app store or on Google Play.

Dr Hamish McLure, NHS North East and Yorkshire regional medical director