If you or a member of your family experience a minor injury or illness during half term don’t spend time waiting in the emergency department - there are lots of different ways to access advice and treatment from the NHS.
Options include:
Self-care: Have a few basic items in your home including paracetamol, a bandage, plasters, and antiseptic.
Visit a pharmacist: They can give confidential expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of common illnesses and complaints, such as stomach upsets, allergies, minor cuts, nappy rash, skin conditions and coughs and colds. They can also arrange an urgent prescription for prescribed medicines that run out.
NHS 111: The service can put you in contact with the GP out-of-hours service, which can arrange for you to see a healthcare professional during evenings and weekends. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can give access to a range of local health services, including doctors, community nurses, emergency dental care and late opening chemists. NHS 111 is also online at 111.nhs.uk.
Minor injury unit: If your injury is not serious you can get help from a minor injuries unit (MIU) Access waiting times by visiting nhs.uk/choosewell. Minor injury units, in mid and south east Cornwall, are based at Bodmin Community Hospital; Launceston Community Hospital; Liskeard Community Hospital and St Austell Community Hospital.
Emergency department or 999: Only use the emergency department or the 999 ambulance service for life threatening and emergency conditions. If a family member is experiencing chest pain or has become unconscious telephone 999 immediately.