Help the NHS in Devon by preparing for the Easter break

The NHS in Devon is preparing for the start of the holiday season, as the first of many visitors start to arrive for the Easter weekend.

Visitors and local people are being encouraged to make best use of health services and make the right choices depending on their needs, especially as the Easter bank holiday weekend is a four-day break from April 18 to 21.

Urgent and emergency health care will be there for those who need it but people are being reminded not to attend A&E with minor issues but to choose the appropriate service, such as minor injury units or pharmacies.

With the longer break, the NHS is also reminding both locals and visitors to ensure they have ordered and collected any repeat medicines they need, especially if they are travelling.

NHS Easter advice

* Make sure you have ordered and collected any repeat medicines, especially if you are travelling

* Continue to call 999 in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk

* Go to NHS 111 online if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital; you can also phone 111

* Play your part by taking simple steps to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. A first step is making sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked

* Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. Local opening hours can be viewed on the NHS England South West website

* If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from 111.

Visitors to Devon are also reminded that their first port of call for GP care is their home practice, which will be able to provide online, phone and video consultations as well as arranging for prescriptions to be sent to any pharmacy you choose.

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “The Easter bank holiday marks a time when we see an increase in visitors to the county as our health services recover from winter a busy winter.

“We can all support the many dedicated individuals working over the holiday period by making simple preparations and knowing which services to access for help if we need it.”

For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.

For local healthcare information, visit the One Devon website at https://onedevon.org.uk/our-work/services-and-support/health-pressures/