As the weather warms up many of us are able to get out and about more to enjoy the beautiful coast and countryside here in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, but with the weather often wet and windy it can be easy to have an accident.
At this time of year there are also still some nasty bugs circulating and we know that some people feel isolated and alone in all seasons.
No matter what the weather there is always lots of support available, to help you to stay well in your local area, or in the comfort of your own home.
Whether it be self-care for minor injuries and illnesses, finding health advice for parents, getting advice and medication from a local friendly pharmacist, booking an appointment with your own GP surgery to visiting one of our ten minor injury units or the urgent treatment centre at West Cornwall Hospital – please make sure you know ‘where is best’ this spring.
There is also lots on offer to help with your wellbeing locally; from community hubs to calling the fantastic Cornwall community gateway service for advice.
If you do need urgent care – you may find you are looked after through a virtual ward but if you do need to go to hospital our teams will support you to make plans to get you back home as quickly as possible with support provided in your local area.
Self care at home: Treat headaches, coughs and colds, small cuts and grazes at home.
Visit your local pharmacy: For emergency supply of repeat medicines. Advice on minor infections and ailments.
Contact your GP practice: For persistent symptoms, concerns about aches and pains. Vomiting. Asthma.
Visit a minor injury unit or urgent treatment centre: For sprains, broken bones to minor burns and head injuries. No appointment needed, open late.
Use NHS 111: For urgent and out of hours advice, use 111 Online or call NHS 111
Call 999: Please only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency. Use 999 BSL to access Emergency services with British Sign Language (BSL).
Mental health support: Cornwall’s 24/7 mental health helpline: 0800 038 5300
Video transcript
Where is best?
Coughs and colds, temperatures and tummy bugs?
Local pharmacist. Look after yourself at home. Avoid visiting others.
Repeat prescriptions?
Order on the NHS app or from your GP. Get an emergency supply from your pharmacist.
Persistent and ongoing health issues?
Your own GP, even when you’re away from home.
Worried about your or another’s mental health?
Call 0800 038 5300 24 7 if urgent. Your GP or Community Gateway 01872 266383.
Need urgent help and GP closed?
Use NHS 111 online or by phone.
Breaks and burns, sprains and strains?
Minor injury unit. Open 7 days a week throughout the day and evenings, some until late. Check the opening hours and wait times online.
In emergency, signs of a stroke or heart attack, severe injury, or seizure: call 999 or visit the emergency department.