Health advice amid tourism spike and doctor strike

GP surgeries will be providing extra same day urgent GP appointments through primary care hubs

Health bosses have issued a reminder about seeking suitable healthcare as junior doctors prepare to take industrial action amid a predicted influx of visitors to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board reminded patients the emergency department was "only for life or limb threatening emergencies".

It said there were nearly 100 Cornish pharmacists to help with complaints including ear infections, rashes and sore throats.

Meanwhile, GP surgeries were providing "extra same day urgent GP appointments" through primary care hubs, it added, with 10 minor injury units and an urgent treatment centre open every day.

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board reminded patients that the emergency department was "only for life or limb threatening emergencies"

For those visiting Cornwall, the board said pharmacists could arrange an emergency supply of medication if it had been forgotten at home, while prescriptions could also be ordered online.

It added: "If you are visiting Cornwall and need non-urgent advice, please call your own GP and not the one closest to where you are staying."

You can also visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice, any time day or night, it added.

For visitors to the Isles of Scilly, it said the local pharmacists, their own GP at home, NHS 111 or the minor injury unit could help.

'Lots of options'

Dr Chris Reid, chief medical officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, said: "There are lots of options here in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for getting the healthcare you need.

"Thank you for being patient with our staff before, during and after the industrial action period and for helping ensure our emergency department is there for people with life or limb threatening illness or injury."

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced junior doctors will take industrial action from 07:00 BST on 27 June until 07:00 on 2 July 2024.

GP practices will continue to be open, the board said, while the NHS would contact patients if appointments needed to be rescheduled due to strike action.

NHS trusts are also asking families, friends, and neighbours to work with staff to get patients home from hospital when they are fit for discharge, it added.