BANK holiday opening times for Isle of Wight pharmacies have been published by the Clinical Commissioning Group.

Over the coming weekend it is not just A&E that will remain open, but a network of pharmacies with highly-trained staff on hand to help.

For minor health issues pharmacies should be the first port of call for expert health advice, especially over the bank holiday when most workplaces are closed.

Dr Michele Legg, local GP and chair of the Isle of Wight CCG, said: "People tend to assume the best option for healthcare during a bank holiday is the emergency department, this of course is not the case. Depending on the nature of your illness, you can also call NHS111 or visit a pharmacist.

"As we approach the bank holiday, it’s also important you plan ahead and check your medicine supplies to ensure you have enough to last throughout the weekend and beyond. The period after the bank holiday is also very busy for NHS staff and you can help to ease the pressure, as well as saving yourself a lot of time and trouble, by checking you have enough medication”.

The following pharmacies will be open over the weekend:

  • Tesco instore pharmacy, Ryde (9am - 6pm)

  • Boots, Newport High Street (10am - 4pm)

  • Boots, Bembridge (10am - 4pm)

  • Boots, Ventnor (10am - 4pm)

  • Boots, Ryde (10am - 4pm)

  • Lloyds, Sainsburys Newport (10am - 4pm)

  • Boots, Sandown (10am - 4pm)

  • Boots, Freshwater (10am - 4pm)

  • Yarmouth Pharmacy (9am - 5pm)

  • Boots, Shanklin (10am - 4pm)