Doctors and nurses are urging local people to add health into their list of spring clean jobs this Easter.

Staff at Hywel Dda University Health Board are reminding people of the need to think early about repeat prescriptions, opening hours of GP surgeries and community pharmacies as we approach the Easter holidays.

Choosing well when you need health advice or support - by using NHS Direct or visiting your pharmacy - can have a hugely positive impact on busy Emergency Departments during peak holiday periods.

Mr Jeremy Williams, A&E consultant and clinical lead for unscheduled care said: “The best way the public can help our frontline staff, and ensure that they and their families can be seen quickly, is to use other health services and reserve our emergency departments for serious or life threatening situations. Ultimately this helps us to save lives.”

The Choose Well guidance can help families when they aren’t sure of the best health service to meet their needs. You can access advice and local contacts from the webpage hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell, or by downloading the Choose Well app on your mobile phone.

GPs advise that you get repeat prescriptions in as early as possible to avoid any delay.

If you need GP services you can ring your usual GP telephone number and will be put through to the out-of-hours service.

For urgent dental care contact your regular dentist or NHS Direct Wales Dental Helpline on 0845 46 47.

For urgent social care phone Social Services in Carmarthenshire, who have an out of hours number can be contacted on 01558 824283.

If you need treatment that cannot wait but is not an emergency and you don’t know where to go, contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.