The North West’s top doctor has shared his top tips for staying healthy this summer as schools prepare to break up for the holidays and families look forward to trips away.

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, explained the steps people should take to protect themselves and their children from common conditions like sunburn, food poisoning and bites and stings, and emphasised the importance of ensuring children are up to date with all vaccinations, including MMR, before travelling.

With hot weather and holidays likely to increase pressure on NHS services – and resident doctor industrial action due to take place from 25-30 July across one of the busiest summer getaway weekends – he has also shared advice on how to get the right care in the right place if you need medical help. 

Dr Gregory said: “Summer holidays are a great time for families to get out and about and have fun, but with that are increased risks of illness and injury.

“Whether you’re staying at home for the summer, planning day trips or going on holiday, there’s a lot to remember to make sure you and your children stay well and know how to get help if you need it, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.  Make sure children are up to date with vaccinations, including MMR, as we know there are currently cases of measles in this country and abroad.

“It’s a good idea to keep over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit and an ice pack at home to help manage minor cuts, bruises, sprains, and strains. Please also remember to pack prescription medications if you are going on holiday, even if you’re only away from home for a night or two.

“Many illnesses can be treated at home or with advice from a community pharmacist. If you’re unsure what to do, NHS 111 can help to signpost to appropriate NHS services. This will mean that A&E and 999 services have more time to deal with serious and life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems, and serious accidents.” 

Dr Gregory’s top tips for staying well this summer include:

1. Medicines – make sure you have over-the-counter medicines at home for common illnesses including paracetamol or ibuprofen, remedies for bites and stings and antihistamines for allergies.
2. First aid – keep a first aid kit in your home with plasters, bandages and antiseptic wipes for cuts, and an ice pack for minor strains or sprains. 
3. Sunburn and sunstroke – always cover up in the sun to protect yourself and your family from burns and heat exhaustion both abroad and on hot days in Scotland and the UK. This includes wearing a high factor sunscreen and appropriate clothing and spending time in the shade.
4. Dehydration – during hot weather remember to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, people with long term conditions, older people and young children are more likely to suffer and require checking in on.
5. Prescriptions – before heading off on holiday, ensure you pack prescription medicines even if you’re only away for a short time. Allow up to five days from when you order your prescription to collect it.
6. Food poisoning – Barbecuing can lead to food poisoning if it is not done correctly. Ensure meat is cooked thoroughly and evenly and keep cooked and raw food separate.
7. Pharmacies – community pharmacies can offer health advice and treatment, whether you are at home or away. Pharmacists can advise and treat a variety of minor ailments such as earache, UTIs, minor stomach upsets, sore throats, and stings and bites. Find a pharmacy near you at www.nhs.uk or on the NHS App.
8. Going abroad – double-check your children’s vaccination records if you are travelling for summer holidays or to visit family, especially for the MMR vaccine.  Measles is still common in many parts of the world so If your child hasn’t had both doses of the MMR vaccination they could be at risk. Childhood vaccinations are free. Find out more at www.nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations
9. Use the NHS App to access NHS 111 online for help and advice for symptoms or injury, to order any repeat prescriptions that are due before going on holiday, find local NHS services such as community pharmacies, and easily access GP health records and any test results. You can download the NHS App or find the same services on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

For more tips and advice, please visit the NHS UK website www.nhs.uk/seasonal

For those requiring support or medical treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, there are a range of services available to help. Before attending an A&E, visit 111 online or call 111 – they will be able to direct you to the most appropriate service or team for you.

Dan Ainsworth, NWAS Director of Operations, “You can be assured that if you need some general health advice, our health advisors at NHS 111 will be ready to help you.  

“However, we would also recommend the NHS 111 online through the NHS UK app.

It has health information readily available to help you self-manage minor health concerns, from sunburn to tick bites, or whether you have had to contend with trips, slips, bumps, or bruises this summer. 

“You can use 111 online on the app if you need urgent healthcare advice.  It’s quick and easy to use and will get you to the right place depending on your symptoms.”

ENDS