NHS in Devon and Cornwall prepares for Easter weekend

Hospitals in the area are preparing for increased demand

The NHS in the south-west of England is preparing for a busy weekend this Easter, bosses say.

Residents and visitors to Devon and Cornwall are being encouraged to make best use of health options, especially over the four-day bank holiday weekend.

Hospitals said they were preparing for increased demand as tourists visited.

NHS Devon has reminded the public that urgent and emergency care would be available, but people needed to choose the right service for their needs.

The NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) said it was asking people visiting to travel prepared and also choose services that suited their needs.

'Help ease pressures'

Susan Bracefield, chief nursing officer for the ICB said: "By ordering your medical prescriptions ahead of the bank holiday, to packing a first aid kit and enough of your prescribed medication, your preparation will help ease pressures on services and enable our NHS staff to focus on the people they need to the most over this busy holiday time.

"If you do need to access health and care services, your own GP can still be contacted, even if you're away from home on holiday.

"You can also get medical advice at a local pharmacy, or get treatment at one of 10 minor injury units [around the county] - all without an appointment."

Anyone who was unsure on what service they required is being urged to use NHS 111 online.