Isle of Wight pharmacies are poised to open this May bank holiday (Monday, May 6), ready to serve the community.

Dates and opening times might vary, and it is advised to contact the pharmacy before attending to verify their operation and medicine availability.

Dr Lara Alloway, chief medical officer for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: "In addition to dispensing prescriptions, our local community pharmacy teams provide expert advice on how to treat common health conditions such as colds, aches and tummy troubles. They also offer advice on medication and a range of other services.

"Pharmacists are trained to advise whether you need to see a GP, nurse or another healthcare professional if it is something more serious to ensure you get the help you need.

"We would also remind people who are on repeat medication to ensure that they check that they have enough supplies to get them through the bank holiday, as obviously, despite the bank holiday cover, a number of pharmacies will be closed."

As previously mentioned, Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) are lined up to operate during the bank holiday weekend. They cater to non-life threatening problems requiring urgent medical intervention.

Waiting periods at UTC could be relatively more moderate when compared to Emergency Departments, and the UTC staff are able to direct or refer you to an appropriate service.

For those seeking immediate support, a text message with 'HANTS' to 85258 will initiate a conversation by text with a volunteer from Shout, a 24/7 text messaging support service that is free and confidential.

Monday opening times are:

Newport Boots the Chemists: 122-126 High Street, Newport, PO30 1TP. 01983 522595. 10am to 4pm.

Newport Day Lewis Pharmacy: 22 Carisbrooke High Street, Carisbrooke, PO30 1NR. 01983 525216. 10am to 1pm.

Ryde Boots the Chemists: 170-172 High Street, Ryde, PO33 2HW. 01983 562280. 10am to 4pm.

Ryde Tesco Pharmacy: Tesco, Brading Road, Ryde, PO33 1QS. 0345 0269560. 10am to 4pm.

Sandown Jhoots Pharmacy: Sandown Medical Centre, The Broadway, Sandown, PO36 9ET. 01983 405436. 10am to 1pm.

Yarmouth Yarmouth Pharmacy: 4 Quay Street, Yarmouth, PO41 0PB. 01983 760260. 8.30am to 6pm.