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WE all love a day off and that includes doctors too.
But we can't control when we're sick, so it's important that we can access medical care when we really need it.
So can we go to the GP on a bank holiday?
Here's everything you need to know about GP opening times on the August bank holiday.
Like most public services, individual GP practices have different opening times.
However, most surgeries are closed for the August bank holiday.
Some surgeries might operate an out-of-hours service, but this varies from practice to practice.
If you phone your nearest surgery, the answering machine will give you advice on how to get hold of an out-of-hours doctor.
Many walk-in centres are open as normal for the August bank holiday.
However they could be busy, meaning you might spend a significant portion of your day waiting in the waiting room.
With this in mind, it is always best to call ahead and check the opening times before you travel.
Always check to see if your local practice has shared any information online.
The NHS can still provide you with medical assistance even if your local practice is closed.
If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you can call 999.
If you require urgent face-to-face care, look up the Accident and Emergency or Urgent Care centre closest to you.
A&E is for emergency healthcare only.
Pharmacist Dr Richard Middleton adds: ''Check with your GP’s website on how to seek urgent care over the festive period.
''Most areas have minor injury units or urgent care centres that are available and very effective.''
Alternatively, for non-emergency treatment, you can call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service.
Download the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet via the or .
You must be aged 13 or over, and if you are in the Isle of Man, you must be registered with an NHS GP Surgery.
You need to prove who you are to get full access to the NHS App.
You can prove who you are using photo ID or your registration details for your GP surgery's online services.
What you can do on the NHS App
With full access you can:
This will require you to fill out a form online with your details and health condition.
The NHS will respond with information on whether to see a GP or seek urgent care, offer advice, or you may get a call back from a health professional.
You can also find a hospital via the online NHS search tool, by simply putting in your postcode or town you're in, and it will find you the nearest one you can visit.
For health-related issues such as coughs, colds, or earaches, some pharmacies will be open over the August bank holiday.
Aside from knowing how to seek medical attention over the bank holiday, it's also important to be aware of any possible health hazards and how to avoid them.
Make sure you read this before heading out on a bank holiday.
Get all the other opening times and bank holiday news here.
