Plea from NHS to choose right services in Cornwall for help over bank holiday weekend
More people are expected to be out and about in the sunshine
The NHS is urging people to use the right service for medical help over the early May bank holiday.
With the easing of lockdown, people are gearing up to enjoy more traditional bank holidays in May being out and about in the sunshine.
Plans to enjoy the warmer weather, socialise, and get outdoors more has prompted a call asking everyone to play their part in helping the NHS give people the help they need, when they need it.
“We all want to make the most of the next stage of the relaxation of lockdown, and health and care partners across the county are getting ready for a summer like no other.
“But people should continue to maintain their guard against the COVID virus, protect themselves, their loved ones and friends, and the NHS.
“Everyone across health and care is working together to make sure we do what we can to help people easily and quickly find the right service, nearest to where they are staying, or where they live, and make sure we’re here and ready for anyone who needs us.”
Dr Paul Cook, NHS Kernow governing body chairman
Where you can get medical help
For people who need urgent – but not emergency – medical care when their own GP is not open, including during the bank holiday, and don’t think they can wait, there is just one number to remember – 111.
NHS 111 can be contacted online or by phone, at any time day or night.
Anyone who is either on holiday, or visiting from another part of the country is asked to call their own GP, and not the one closest to where they’re staying in Cornwall, if they need non-urgent advice.
If you’re staying away from home in self-contained accommodation, make sure that you’ve got some essentials with you including plasters, paracetamol, antiseptic, and order enough of your regular medication from your own GP ahead of your stay away.
Pharmacists across the county will be available during the bank holiday weekend and can provide expert, confidential advice, and over the counter remedies for minor injuries and illnesses.
“Anyone who requires a repeat prescription for their regular medication ahead of the May bank holidays should give their surgery two working days and then at least three days for the pharmacy to process it. However, it’s worth remembering that surgeries and pharmacies are extremely busy at the moment and they continue to run in line of COVID guidance, and so the earlier the better.”
Amanda Pell, NHS Kernow’s senior pharmaceutical advisor
Community pharmacy teams can also make an emergency request for repeat medication through 111.
The NHS asks that you do not turn up at the minor injuries units (MIU) or urgent treatment centres (UTC) without contacting 111 first. If, after contacting 111, you need to attend an MIU or UTC, you will be given an arrival time, which will help everyone continue to follow government guidance, maintain distance and keep people safe while COVID continues to circulate.
Anyone with serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries should dial 999.