Cornwall urged to help ease pressure on NHS as heatwave warnings hit
We could see record breaking temperatures over the next few days, with some areas in Cornwall hitting 30 degrees
Last updated 16th Jul 2022
The NHS in the South West has issued a plea for people to choose the right services, as record breaking temperatures hit this weekend.
Some areas in Cornwall, such as Bude, could reach 30 degrees as the temperature rises over the weekend and into a next week.
The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for extreme heat that now cover the whole of the Duchy.
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a Level 4 emergency heat health for most of England.
Cornwall's in the Amber heat warning area from tomorrow.
Health officials are urging us to check on elderly relatives, stay hydrated, and to only call 999 in a real emergency.
Whether here on holiday or a resident, there are ways you can play your part in helping health and care services treat the right people, at the right time and in the right place.
Earlier this week the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust declared it is running at 'critical incident' level again, and coastguard crews have been drafted in to help the South Western Ambulance Service amid the heatwave.
Dr Michael Marsh, Medical Director for NHS England South West, said: “Temperatures are hotter than some parts of Europe this week, all Covid restrictions have been lifted and more people are choosing to holiday closer to home.
“Alongside this Covid has not gone away and in recent weeks we have seen a rise in Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, meaning our NHS is already very busy.
“The Level 4 heat health alert issued by UKHSA and the Met Office means we can only expect our NHS to become busier. Busier with treating our vulnerable young and elderly who are more likely to need our help during hot spells but also busier with associated injuries and conditions that can occur from being outdoors and with more free time.
“We want people to enjoy and make the most of their visit but if they do become ill or injured, be able to access healthcare services quickly and safely."
10 top tips:
• Check regularly on elderly relatives, friends and neighbours during hot temperatures
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when ultra violet radiation (UV) is at its strongest, wear sunscreen of at least factor 30 and cover up with a hat and light, loose fitting clothing and UV sunglasses, preferably wraparounds.
• Prepare for your holiday or day out. Bring any useful first aid supplies like plasters, pain relief, indigestion treatment and antihistamine and remember the sunscreen to reapply
• Ask a pharmacist for advice – they’re experts in treating minor health issues like colds, stomach upsets, aches and pains
• Go online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 to get expert advice, and be signposted to where you can get the best and nearest care for your needs
• Call your own GP – even if you’re in the South West on holiday you could get a phone or video consultation with your doctor at home
• If you need prescription medication, your GP can ask for it to be sent to a pharmacy near where you are staying
• Help our ambulance service and NHS treat those who need us the most by only calling 999 in a genuine, life-threatening emergency such as major blood loss, chest pain or loss of consciousness
• You can also help by taking relatives and friends home when they are medically fit to return to their own surroundings after receiving hospital care.”