NHS Cornwall Shares ‘Where Is Best’ Advice for Half Term

With February half term under way and Valentine’s Day just around the corner, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is urging people to think carefully about where to seek help if they become unwell or injured.

As many families enjoy a break and look ahead to spring, health leaders are reminding residents and visitors to consider “where is best” to get the right care, often with shorter waiting times.

Know ‘Where is best’

Aisling Crombie, acting chief nursing officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said:

“When you’re injured or feeling unwell, knowing who to contact can make all the difference. We’re asking residents and visitors to follow our simple guidance during February half term, so they can be seen in the right place, at the right time – often with shorter waits.”

The advice encourages people to consider a range of options depending on their needs.

Self-care and pharmacies

At the top of the list is self-care. NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is advising people to make sure they have a well-stocked first aid kit at home or in their suitcase when travelling. NHS advice on self-care offers further guidance.

Pharmacists are also available across Cornwall, from supermarkets to high streets and retail parks. They can offer advice and treatment for a wide range of conditions, including children’s earache, urinary tract infections and emergency contraception.

Pharmacies can also provide an emergency supply of most medicines when a GP surgery is closed. People can find their nearest open pharmacy to check availability.

GP teams and urgent treatment

Even when staying away from home, patients can still contact their own GP surgery. If needed, surgeries can arrange for a prescription to be collected at a local pharmacy near where someone is staying.

For injuries such as broken bones or cuts that may need stitches, minor injury units and urgent treatment centres are available. Cornwall has a network of minor injury units, and the urgent treatment service at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance is described as an alternative to the emergency department.

Patients are advised to check live waiting times online, as the nearest service may not always be the quickest option.

NHS 111 and mental health support

Anyone unsure about what help they need can visit NHS 111 online or call 111. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The 111 service can also be contacted at any time for urgent mental health support, whether someone is concerned about their own wellbeing or that of another person. Further details on mental health support and resources are available from NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

When it’s an emergency

For life-threatening injuries or illnesses, people should call 999 or go straight to the emergency department. This includes symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding or signs of a stroke.

Look after your heart this half term

With Valentine’s Day approaching on Friday, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is also encouraging people to check their blood pressure and take simple steps to protect their heart health.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it increases the risk of serious conditions including heart attack and stroke.

Many pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks, and some GP surgeries have machines available in waiting areas. Blood pressure monitors can also be borrowed from local libraries, allowing people to check readings at home and keep track of their health.

For updates and advice, residents can follow NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly on Facebook or visit the ‘Where is best?’ webpage.