IT doesn’t seem two minutes since Christmas, but the clocks have gone forward and Easter is fast approaching!

The last thing on your mind as you look forward to the long Bank Holiday weekend will be what to do if you need medical attention or advice.

But it’s worth knowing what your options are in advance so you can avoid an unnecessary trip to A&E.

You may remember our Winter campaign, which reminded people of how to get the right care, at the right time.

The advice is still pertinent and a lot of minor ailments, such as coughs and colds, hayfever, upset stomach, headaches, minor cuts and bruises can be treated at home with a well-stocked medicine cabinet.

If you need help from a medical professional, then your local pharmacist is qualified to give expert advice on a range on minor health concerns.

Many have a separate consultation room, so you can discuss your symptoms in private and you won’t need an appointment.

Some are open on Friday and Monday, but only a handful on Easter Sunday: Nash Pharmacy on Castle Street; Deane Pharmacy on Horsfield Street and Cohens at Waters Meeting Road will be open at some point during that day.

Your GP practice is closed over Easter but there are a number of planned and unplanned appointments available at one of three hubs: Waters Meeting Health Centre, Winifred Kettle Centre and the Urgent Treatment Centre, based at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Appointments are available between 9am and 1pm throughout the weekend – just call your usual GP practice for further guidance.

An out of hours GP service is also available overnight from 6.30pm to 8am – again call your GP practice. I’d like to wish everyone a happy Easter and remember: A&E is for serious injury and life-threatening conditions.