Holidaymakers are flocking to Norfolk beaches, like this one at Happisburgh – photo © Julian Swainson

 

Holidaymakers looking forward to enjoying a summer break in Norfolk and Waveney are being urged to make the most of pharmacists and the NHS 111 service should they become unwell while they are away.

NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging people to go to the right place if they need help with their health on holiday.

NHS 111 is the number to call when medical help or advice is needed urgently but it is not a life-threatening situation. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and calls are free from mobiles and landlines.

Pharmacists can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints.

If someone has forgotten their medicine and without it on holiday, then they can visit a pharmacist who can arrange for it to be sent to that pharmacy. To find a local pharmacy or GP surgery visit www.nhs.uk or call 0300 311 22 33.

Although holiday health may be one of the last things on people’s minds when packing, a visit to the local pharmacy before heading off either home or abroad should feature in everyone’s preparations. A basic first aid kit will help with minor ailments, such as stomach upsets, allergies, headaches, sunburn, insect bites, aches and sprains and strains.

Dr Anoop Dhesi, local GP and Chair at NHS Norfolk and Waveney CCG, said: “It’s important to make the most of pharmacies and the NHS 111 service should anyone be feeling unwell while they are on holiday.

“NHS 111 trained advisors are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can provide advice about minor illnesses.

“Many people don’t realise the wide range of additional services available as pharmacists do much more than dispensing prescriptions. They offer free expert advice on a wide range of health issues, support for self-care and medicines to treat common complaints such as coughs and colds, flu, sore throats, earache, backache, stomach upsets and cuts and grazes.

“Anyone taking regular medicines on prescription, should ensure that they have enough medication to cover their holiday period.”

There are other services available to help with minor injuries or illness.

The NHS walk-in Centre at Rouen House on Rouen Road, Norwich, is open between 7am and 9pm every day. The nurse-led centre can help with a range of minor illness and injuries, including minor cuts and wounds, strains and sprains, skin complaints etc. You will be triaged at the front door and signposted elsewhere or treated accordingly.

The Minor Injuries Unit based at Mill Road in Cromer is also open seven days a week, from 8am to 7.45pm. Patients can receive treatment for minor injuries such as minor wounds, burns or simple fractures. The unit is able to advise over the phone if your injury is suitable for the MIU, please call 01603 646230.

For advice about hundreds of health conditions and details of GPs, pharmacies and dentists while on holiday visit the NHS.uk website: www.nhs.uk. It also includes a symptom checker.