DOCTORS are handing out advice to people who may be taken ill over the four days they are closed at Easter.
All GP surgeries in Kirklees will be closed on Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday and Monday - March 25 to 28.
Patients will need to use other services if they have problems with their health.
If residents have an urgent medical condition, which needs attention before their GP practice re-opens, they need to call their GP surgery on the normal number and be directed to the out-of-hours service.
Patients can also get health help and advice by calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, visiting NHS Direct On-Line at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or looking at the self-help guide in the back of their Thomson Local directory.
Anyone who needs regular medication or has repeat prescriptions also needs to check they will not run out over the holiday period.
Kath Basnett, director of primary care for Huddersfield South and Central Huddersfield Primary Care Trusts, said: "We would ask all patients to think carefully before you ask to see a doctor out of hours.
"If it isn't really urgent, please wait until the surgery re-opens for normal business after the holiday period."
She also advised people to think twice before using the local Accident and Emergency department.
"The A&E department is there to deal with serious injuries and provide emergency treatment.
"There are many people who go to A&E that would have been better dealt with by a GP, nurse or pharmacist and sometimes just by being given telephone advice in the comfort of their own home.
"This can cause delay in getting help for those who really need it."
