Important NHS advice for locals and visitors to Devon this Easter

Visitors and local people in Devon are being encouraged to make the best use of NHS services over Easter by planning ahead and selecting the right service for their needs.

In particular, ahead of the Easter weekend NHS Devon is advising people to order and collect repeat prescriptions early, especially if they are travelling or planning to be away over the bank holiday.

For common conditions such as sore throats, earache, sinusitis, infected insect bites and urinary tract infections, patients should use community pharmacies and the Pharmacy First service wherever possible.

But always call 999 in a life-threatening emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

If you need urgent medical advice or are unsure which service you should use, please call 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk in the first instance.

People should seek urgent dental care via NHS 111, where advisers can assess their needs and arrange an appointment if required.

You can also access mental health support through NHS 111 if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis.

Dr Peter Collins, chief medical officer for NHS Devon, said: “Easter is a wonderful time to visit Devon and we look forward to welcoming many people to the county.

“While everyone is planning their trips, we’re encouraging people to plan for their health as well – ordering repeat prescriptions in advance and remembering that local pharmacies can help with many common conditions through the Pharmacy First service.

“By choosing the right service and preparing ahead, visitors and residents can help ensure urgent and emergency care is available for those who need it most.”

Visitors to Devon are also reminded their first port of call for GP care should normally be their home GP practice, which can often provide advice through online, phone or video consultations and arrange for prescriptions to be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice in Devon.

Community pharmacies can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common conditions such as ear ache, insect bites and urinary tract infections, without the need for a GP appointment through Pharmacy First, making them a quick and convenient option for many minor illnesses while people are away from home.

People can also use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, check symptoms and access a range of NHS services, which can be particularly helpful when some services are closed over the bank holiday. The app is free to download and available to use at any time.

For life-threatening emergencies – such as someone who is unconscious, struggling to breathe, having a severe allergic reaction, experiencing a seizure for the first time, or suffering serious injury or bleeding that won’t stop – always call 999.

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The long Easter weekend also leads into strike action by resident doctors from Tuesday, April 7 to Monday, April 13.

People are being reminded if they have not been contacted directly, they should attend NHS appointments as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

Regardless of any strike action taking, NHS Devon says it is vital that people who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and serious life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

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

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