PATIENTS across the borough are being urged to get organised ahead of this month's bank holidays.

Health bosses from Bury Clinical Commissioning Group are reminding residents to be aware of service availability and to request repeat prescriptions in advance, as GP and pharmacy services will be limited over May 7 and 28 bank holidays.

Dr. Jeff Schryer, chair of NHS Bury CCG and Prestwich GP said: "Whilst self care is generally the best option for minor ailments, it is important that local people know where to go or who to contact if they are unwell, so that they can receive the best possible treatment in the quickest time for their condition."

Extended GP working hours will allow appointments to be made until 8pm in the week, and between 8am and 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.

Patients are advised to check availability with their own surgery, however these appointments are only available in three locations and may not be with your usual doctor.

Pharmacists will be open as normal on both bank holiday weekends and some will be open on the Monday.

Residents should go to their pharmacist to collect prescription medicines and for clinical advice on over-the-counter medicines, minor health concerns and common illnesses, including sore throats, colds, tummy troubles, aches and pains.

Most pharmacies have consultation rooms for private conversations and discussions can be held in confidence without anything going on your medical records.

Opening hours may vary so patients are advised to phone their usual pharmacy before they travel.

Bury pharmacies open over the bank holidays are:

Asda Pharmacy, Pilsworth Road, Bury, BL9 8RS

0161 3512511

9am to 6pm

Asda Pharmacy, Riverside Retail Park, Radcliffe, M26 3DA

0161 7232201

9am to 6pm

Asda Pharmacy, Spring Street, Bury, BL9 0RN

0161 4478218

9am to 6pm

Boots, Unit 1, Woodfields Retail Park, Peel Way, Bury, BL9 5BY

0161 7642854

11am to 5pm

Pimhole Pharmacy, 185 Rochdale Road, Bury, BL9 7BB

0161 7611011

5pm to 10pm

Tesco In-store Pharmacy, Bury New Road, Prestwich, M25 7BL

0161 6028928

10am to 4pm

Tesco In-store Pharmacy, Peel Way, Bury, BL9 5BY

0161 6028910

9am to 6pm

Where to go for the right medical care:

•NHS Choices website (http://www.nhs.uk/) for advice on less urgent health needs.

•NHS 111 for 24/7 clinical advice, assessment and for direction to the most appropriate services for treatment if you need medical help fast but it is not an emergency.

•A&E and 999 for life threatening emergencies.

•Bury walk-in centre, first floor Moorgate Primary Care Centre, 22 Derby Way, Bury, BL9 0NJ, open 7am to 3pm seven days a week. Last check in 2.30pm.

•Prestwich walk-in centre, Fairfax Road, Prestwich, M25 1BT, open 12pm to 8pm seven days a week. Last check in 30 minutes prior to closing.

•GP practices.

•Pharmacists for those generally feeling unwell.