Cornwall NHS urge people to use the right services this summer

Cornwall's NHS are urging people on holiday to 'Choose Well' this summer, by relying on other services to ease holiday pressure.

This year they're calling on holidaymakers and locals to choose other services first, such as turning to pharmacists, calling their own GPs from home, calling 111 and only going to the emergency department if necessary.

A new film has been released, featuring some of the Duchy's iconic landmarks and beauty spots, to help people choose the best service for their needs, and asking people to 'Choose Well' this summer.

"Go to the right place"

Doctor Mark Jadav, emergency department consultant at Royal Cornwall Hospital, said: "Cornwall has been used to having a tourist influx every summer, we prepare for it, we know about it and we're ready to welcome tourists into the county and we've set up the system to cope with that. The main thing is to get the message out to go to the right place."

Doctor Jadav told us this advice for people on holiday, away from home:

"Try to contact your own GP, so that means ring them up during their working hours, talk to them about it. It may well be that they can sort something out over the telephone for you."

If you think you need medical help, Cornwall's NHS are asking people to: 'Choose Well'.

Six steps to #HelpUsHelpYou:

1. Visit your local pharmacy for help with allergies, insect bites, stings and emergency contraception. Pharmacists can also provide an emergency prescription when your GP is closed, even if you are on holiday. Check your nearest open pharmacy. Many urgent medications can now be ordered online for collection at a local pharmacy, by visiting NHS 111 online

2. Your own GP is your best point of contact for ongoing symptoms, even if you are on holiday. Your surgery can send a prescription to any pharmacy you choose, for you to collect close to where you are staying. For advice on GP services, visit the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly website

3. Minor injury units can help with conditions like broken bones and cuts that need stitches, but your nearest one might not be the quickest option. Check live opening and waiting times

4. If you need urgent care advice, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. Expert clinicians can direct you to the best service for your needs

5. If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health, Cornwall’s 24/7 mental health helpline can help. Call free on 0800 038 5300. For more mental health support services, visit the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly website

6. Only call 999 or visit the emergency department if your illness or injury is life-threatening. This includes chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding, stroke and loss of consciousness

For more information, you can visit the ‘Help us help you’ page on the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly website or follow NHS Cornwall on Facebook and Twitter for news, updates and advice.

You can hear all the latest news on the hour, every hour.