Advice to wear suncream and stock up first aid kit for May Half Term
NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board have launched a campaign for the holidays
People across Cornwall are being advised to top up sun cream and first aid kits if they'll be enjoying the beaches this May Half Term.
Cornwall’s NHS is running it’s ‘Cream on top’ film as a reminder for ‘Where is best’ to get the treatment you need.
The ‘Cream on top’ film uses iconic Cornish locations and local health professions to advise local people and visitors on the NHS support available to them over the holidays.
Chief medical officer at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, Dr Chris Reid, says: “There are a few easy things you can do for the holidays, from stocking up your first aid kit, using suncream regularly to carrying a bottle of water to keep hydrated. These easy steps can make a real difference to your wellbeing. And as we’re in Cornwall, our advice is always to have (sun) cream on top!
“If you do need medical help during the holidays, you can pop into a local pharmacy, contact your own GP or use NHS 111 online for urgent advice on the best place to go. We always advise 999 for life-threatening injury or illness.”
Know ‘where is best’
Knowing who to ask, and where to go for help is the easiest and quickest way to receive the treatment you need. For those who need medical help, think ‘Where is best?’
Self-care at home, caravan, hotel: Apply suncream, carry a bottle of water and pack first aid kit and bring your medication with you for more tips on self-care, check out the NHS advice on self-care
Think Pharmacy First
They’ll be on hand to help with a range of conditions such as emergency supplies of most prescription medications, contraception, sexual health and blood pressure checks to offering treatment for 7 common conditions including:
Sinusitis, age 12 and over
Sore throat, age 5 and over
Earache, ages 1 to 17
Infected insect bite, age 1 and over
Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection), age 1 and over
Shingles, age 18 and over
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women, ages 16 - 64
Some pharmacists may have limited opening hours during the bank holiday weekend. Use our handy tool to Find your nearest open pharmacy.
Contact your own GP, even if you're away from home
They’ll be able to offer you an online appointment and, if needed, arrange for a prescription to be available for collection at a local pharmacy.
If needed, you can visit minor injury units without an appointment on evenings and weekends to get help for conditions like broken bones or cuts needing stitches. Minor injury units are available at different locations, however your nearest may not be the quickest so it’s worth checking out locations, opening and live waiting times online before you set off. An urgent treatment centre is an alternative to the emergency department. There is one based at West Cornwall Hospital, Penzance.
NHS 111 available 24/7
If you’re unsure what help you need, visit NHS 111 online or call 111, for advice from expert clinicians.
Mental health:
You can now call NHS111 for urgent mental health matters. For more mental health support services, visit the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly website
Life-threatening injury or illness:
Call 999 immediately if you are seriously ill or injured. Examples include chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding and stroke. You can also visit the emergency department.