New Year ‘self-care’ appeal from Cornwall’s NHS

We are asking visitors to Cornwall to bring supplies of routine medications with them, and asking everyone to make sure they have these three kings of self-care: pain relief, cold and flu remedies and rehydration powders

As Cornwall’s health and care system remains under pressure, we are urging residents and visitors to help us, help you over the holidays by caring for yourself when you can.

Our GP surgeries and NHS 111 are currently seeing a surge in calls. Some of these are about coughs, colds and bugs which can be treated at home with a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Please remember that pharmacies can provide advice on minor illnesses and common ailments.

While our hospitals cope with a high number of attendances, choosing the right service is vital.

Since Christmas Eve, Cornwall’s emergency department and minor injury units have seen just over 2,600 people.

You should only call 999 in genuine, life-threatening emergencies.

In a statement, leaders from NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System said:

“It’s a really busy weekend for ambulance services and emergency departments.

“Help us, help you over the holidays by using the right service. Remember:

• Pharmacies can provide advice on minor illness and common ailments – you can get opening times on nhs.uk
• Use trusted online sources such as the NHS HANDi Paediatric app, that can be downloaded on the App and Play stores, or visit 111.nhs.uk online for the quickest and nearest service for your needs
• Minor injury units are open – view their opening hours and waiting times
• If it is serious or life-threatening call 999

“Additionally, if someone is collecting a relative who is ready to go home from hospital, please come as early as possible. If they are able to help a relative or friend to go home sooner, with some support in their own home, please call the ward; we may also be able to offer a one-off grant to help.

“Finally, as we head into the new year weekend, we are asking visitors to the county to bring supplies of their routine medications with them, and asking everyone to be wise this New Year and make sure they have these three self-care kings: pain relief, cold and flu remedies and rehydration powders”.