Healthcare advice amid junior doctor strikes and increase in visitors to Cornwall
Junior doctors are walking out from today until Tuesday 2 July
People in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being urged to choose NHS services wisely, amid an increase in visitors and industrial action by junior doctors.
Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) are walking out from today (27 June) until Tuesday (2 July).
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) are reminding people that there are lots of healthcare options for visitors and residents.
It adds that the emergency department is "only for life or limb threatening emergencies".
The board says nearly 100 Cornish pharmacists are providing the Pharmacy First service, which can help with a number of things, including ear infections, infected insect bites and sore throats.
Many local GP surgeries are also providing extra same day urgent appointments through primary care hubs, with 10 minor injury units and an urgent treatment centre open every day.
For visitors to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
For visitors to Cornwall, the ICB said: "If you have forgotten to pack your prescription medication, pharmacists can arrange an emergency supply, even if you are far from home. You can also order a prescription online or from your own GP.
"If you are visiting Cornwall and need non-urgent advice, please call your own GP and not the one closest to where you are staying.
"You can also visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice, any time day or night."
For those visiting the Isles of Scilly, it adds: "Services on hand for people needing healthcare include the local pharmacist, their own GP back home, NHS 111 or the minor injury unit."
Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, has this advice: "There are lots of options here in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for getting the healthcare you need.
"Thank you for being patient with our staff before, during and after the industrial action period and for helping ensure our emergency department is there for people with life or limb threatening illness or injury."
GP practices will continue to be open during the junior doctors strike. People are being urged to attend GP and dental appointments unless you are contacted and told otherwise.
NHS trusts are also asking families, friends, and neighbours to work with staff to get patients home from hospital when they are fit for discharge.