GPs are urging people to use healthcare services in their communities over the coming bank holiday weekend to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the A&E.

Doctors in Waltham Forest are asking people suffering from common illnesses such as coughs and colds to visit a pharmacy or call the NHS helpline which is staffed by trained advisors and clinicians offering advice.

A number of GP surgeries in the borough will be open on the bank holiday, Monday August 28.

Leyton Orient Pharmacy in Oliver Road, Leyton will be open from 8am to 8pm and Blue Dew Pharmacy in Forest Road, Walthamstow will be open from 8am to 11pm.

The pharmacy in Tesco, Gainsborough Road, Leytonstone will be open from 9am to 6pm and closed from 1pm to 2pm.

Dr Anwar Khan, chairman of the NHS Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “If you do get ill over the bank holiday weekend there are lots of ways that you can access the care you need in Waltham Forest.

“It’s worth finding out in advance what services are on offer.

“Going to the right place for your condition ensures that you receive the help you require as quickly as possible and it also helps to free up A&E for people with life-threatening injuries and illnesses.”

People who need to see a GP on Saturday 26 or Sunday 27 August can make an appointment by calling 020 8519 3999.

The urgent care centre at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone will also be open 24 hours a day all through the weekend to treat minor injuries.

For a full list of pharmacies in Waltham Forest open on the bank holiday click here