NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is launching a summer health campaign

They want locals and visitors to know where to go if you need medical help

With the school holidays upon us, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly have launched their summer health campaign.

The local health service has released a short video, filmed at some popular landmarks and beauty spots, to help people choose the right service if they need care this summer – whether they’re here on holiday or a year-round resident.

If you think you need medical help, they want you to know “where it’s best” by following these 6 steps:

1. Visit your local pharmacy for help with allergies, insect bites and stings, and emergency contraception. Pharmacies in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly can help with a wide range of minor conditions. Most are also registered to provide the Pharmacy First service, which means they can offer antibiotics if needed to treat conditions such as infected insect bites and waterborne infections (UTIs). Pharmacists can also provide an emergency supply of most prescription medicines when your GP practice is closed, even if you are on holiday.
2. If you are visiting Cornwall and need a GP, please contact your own home surgery. If you need a prescription, your surgery can send it to any pharmacy you choose for you to collect near where you live.
3. Minor injury units can help with things like broken bones and cuts that need stitches, but the closest might not be the fastest
4. If you need urgent care advice, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. You will be directed to the best service for your needs.
5. If you’re worried about your or someone else’s mental health, Cornwall’s 24/7 mental health helpline can help. Call free on 0800 038 5300
6. The Emergency Department is for life or limb-threatening emergencies only. In a medical emergency, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, stroke, loss of consciousness or major blood loss, call 999 or go straight to hospital

To protect yourself from the sun – ‘Ccatch fish!’

The natural beauty of Cornwall and the Scillies is perfect for days out exploring, so you should always protect your skin from sun damage.

The NHS says that because of our coast and climate, skin cancer rates are higher here, almost three-quarters of the rate in Australia.

Their advice is to wear a hat and sunglasses and use sunscreen with a high SPF and broad UVA and UVB protection.

Dr. Chris Reid is the county’s chief medical officer and knows firsthand the damage the sun’s rays can cause:

“I used to spend a lot of time at the beach and on the water windsurfing. I recently had to have a skin cancer removed from my ear. Protect your skin and cover up. Prevention is by far the best option.”

The health service adds: “For many health problems, self-care is the simplest.

“A well-stocked first aid kit or medicine cabinet can help you avoid a trip to the pharmacy, GP surgery or minor injuries unit.

“Useful items include paracetamol and aspirin, antiseptic cream, antihistamines, after-sun remedies and rehydration.”

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