Spring in the air puts a spring in our step and makes us feel better all round but, if you do need help with something health-related this Easter holiday, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has advice on where is best – from self-care at home to when is appropriate to use the emergency department.
Susan Bracefield, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, explained: “We know that Easter is a busy time in our county, and we want people to know where they can seek help if they are poorly and if they need emergency care.
“If you’re feeling under the weather, more than 90 local pharmacies can help, from forgotten medications, through contraception, to the Pharmacy First service that can help with a range of conditions from childhood earaches to insect bites.
“And your own GP can help, even if you are on holiday here – still give them a call. If you get unwell over the Bank Holidays or overnight, don’t forget NHS 111 can help.
“We also have our minor injury units (MIU) for a range of minor illnesses and injuries, most with x-ray services, and our urgent treatment centre (UTC) at West Cornwall Hospital [in] Penzance, open [at] evenings and weekends. You can check online to see live wait and opening times, as your nearest may not be your quickest.
“But if your condition is life- or limb-threatening, always call 999.”
“We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Easter and thank you for helping to keep our hospitals for the people who need them the most.”
Susan Bracefield, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board
The NHS are raising awareness of a range of services that suit different needs. If people can make the right choice about ‘where is best’ then this will play a major part in keeping emergency services available to help the people who need them the most.
With this in mind, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has published information to help people know the difference between an MIU, UTC and the emergency department.
There is also lots of helpful Isles of Scilly health information that is tailored to people living on or visiting the islands.
Susan, meanwhile, has some vital tips for people who are heading on holiday: “First aid kits are always helpful to have. If you’re on medications, make sure you’ve got plenty to get you through the holidays. We are able to get your own GP to dispense to our chemists but to save any wait or missed dose, make sure you’ve got all of your medications with you.”
Here’s a summary of the services available for you:
Pharmacy. Most pharmacies in Cornwall offer the Pharmacy First service for seven common conditions without seeing a GP. They are a great first port of call for treatment and advice, and can also provide an emergency supply of most prescription medicines. Remember to think pharmacy first.
NHS 111. Unsure of what service you need, or your GP surgery is closed? Use NHS 111 online 24/7, or call 111. You can also access mental health support.
GP. Call your own GP surgery for health advice, even if you are on holiday. They are used to helping by phone, video and email. Did you know that your surgery can send a prescription to any pharmacy you choose, for you to collect close to where you are staying.
Minor injury units and urgent treatment centre. Use one of the ten minor injury units and the urgent treatment centre for accidents and non-life-threatening emergencies. Most are open in the evenings and at weekends. There’s no need for an appointment but please check opening hours and live wait times before you visit, as your nearest won’t always be the quickest.
There are MIUs at Falmouth, Helston, Camborne, Redruth, St Austell, Newquay, Bodmin, Liskeard, Launceston, Stratton and St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly. The UTC is at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance (usually open until midnight).
999 and the Emergency Department. Please only call 999 or visit the emergency department at Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske or at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth if it is a genuine emergency that is life- or limb-threatening.
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