The NHS in the South West is asking people to choose the right health and care services as we head in to the school summer holidays this weekend.

The summer holidays are always a busy time for NHS services across the South West, with millions of people visiting the region either on day trips or for a longer break (see background information, below).

This, coupled with ongoing industrial action which inevitably puts pressure on the level of services the NHS can provide, means it is even more important that people play their part in helping health and care services treat the right people, at the right time and in the right place.

Dr Michael Marsh, Medical Director for NHS England – South West, said: “The start of the school summer holidays for most schools this weekend means we can only expect our NHS to become busier.

“We do plan for this, but when you add in the ongoing periods of industrial action, we know that there will be times when our services are very pressures. That’s why we are asking people to be prepared if visiting in the region, and choose the right services for their condition, should they need our help.

“There are a number of things people can do to help support the NHS this summer, whether you’re a resident or a visitor. From ensuring that you always have enough of your prescription medicines, having a fully stocked first-aid kit at home or with you, and even simply downloading and registering for the NHS App.

“The app has a range of services from ordering repeat prescriptions and finding NHS services near you such as urgent care services and pharmacies.”

Top tips to help the NHS this summer:

• Make sure you have enough of your prescribed medications. You can easily order repeat prescriptions via the NHS App, though your GP practice website or, if you do not have access to GP online services, by calling your GP practice.
• Ensure you have a fully-stocked first aid kit at home or with you. Find out what you need here https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/what-should-i-keep-in-my-first-aid-kit/
• Check which of your local pharmacies is open this Bank Holiday and when here https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/info-professional/pharm-info/pharmacy-opening-hours/

If you are ill or injured, and it is not life-threatening, but are unsure of which NHS service to use, call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk which can help you with:

• where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
• how to find general health information and advice
• getting help with an existing medical condition
• how to get mental health help
• where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
• getting emergency dental appointments

You should ring 999 in an emergency or if you experience:

• signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
• signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side
• difficulty breathing
• heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• seizures
• or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat or tongue.

Ends

Background:

• 16.1m people came to the South West on overnight trips in the nine months from April to December 2021, the latest year for which figures are available. This is more than any other region in England. See: https://www.visitbritain.org/gb-domestic-overnight-tourism-latest-results