Know where to get medical help in Norfolk & Waveney this summer
The NHS has issued advice
Last updated 1st Aug 2021
The NHS in Norfolk and Waveney is today launching an eye-catching new campaign urging people visiting the region this summer to have a healthy, happy holiday – and choose the right service for illnesses and injuries.
The initiative, which is being spearheaded by NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), reminds people of the wide range of support which is available for anyone who needs medical help.
As well as self-caring for minor problems using a well-stocked first aid kit, people can:
• Contact NHS 111, which can advise anyone with an urgent medical problem what to do and where best to go for treatment. 111 can also book a GP consultation or time slot at an emergency department (A&E) if necessary.
• Visit a pharmacy for expert help and advice on common conditions such as hayfever, colds, cuts and bruises and insect bites. Pharmacies also offer free lateral flow tests so that people without symptoms can regularly test themselves for COVID-19.
• Contact their own GP practice for any health matters they are already treating them for. Practices can also send prescriptions electronically to a local pharmacy for holiday-makers to collect.
• Drop into the NHS Walk-In Centre at Rouen House on Rouen Road in Norwich. Open between 7am and 9pm daily, it can help with minor cuts and wounds, strains and sprains and skin complaints.
• Go to the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) in Cromer or Wisbech, which have x-ray facilities and can provide treatment for minor wounds, burns, simple fractures and other injuries. People can call 111 for their locations and opening times.
The campaign comes as the region prepares for an influx of holiday-makers over the summer months. Its aim is to reduce the number of people going to emergency departments with minor problems which could be more effectively managed elsewhere.
Dr Anoop Dhesi, a GP and Chair of Norfolk and Waveney CCG, said:
“We are expecting a surge in tourists to Norfolk and Waveney this summer as more families choose to holiday closer to home. We want everyone who is visiting the region to enjoy our fantastic coastline and countryside to have a healthy, happy holiday – which is why we have launched this campaign.
“Across the NHS, we are seeing demand for services rise. By reminding people of the options which are available for more minor complaints, we hope that we can reduce pressure on our emergency departments and keep them free to focus on treating patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries.
“Although we are specifically targeting this campaign at holiday-makers, we’d also like to take the opportunity to remind local people of the range of help which is available. By going to the right place first time, you will often be seen faster, which means that you can get back to enjoying your day more quickly.”
Holiday-makers and residents are also being urged to continue taking sensible steps to protect themselves and those around them from COVID-19 by having the vaccination, social distancing, washing their hands regularly and wearing a face covering indoors.