Need healthcare this summer? Here's what you need to know

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly's health services remain very busy, with an increase in visitors and industrial action also planned by junior doctors this week, starting on 27 June.

On holiday or have friends and family visiting you? 

There are lots of options for health care  for visitors and residents alike. Our Emergency Department is only for life or limb threatening emergencies please.  Choose ‘where is best’ if you need healthcare from:

Nearly 100 Cornish pharmacists providing the Pharmacy First service, which can help with ear infections, rashes, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, urinary tract infections and sore throats – age restrictions do apply.  No need for an appointment, medications can also be provided.  Find your nearest pharmacy and check opening hours online.

Many local GP surgeries are providing extra same day urgent GP appointments through our primary care hubs, for those that may need them.

Ten minor injury units and an urgent treatment centre open every day, including weekends, bank holidays and evenings,  Check opening (and waiting times) online before you go

Three things to know if you’re visiting Cornwall:

• If you have forgotten to pack your prescription medication, pharmacists can arrange an emergency supply, even if you are far from home. You can also order a prescription online or from your own GP.
• 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.

Visiting the Isles of Scilly?

The beautiful islands attract countless visitors over the year.  Services on hand for people needing healthcare include the local pharmacist, their own GP back home, NHS111 or the minor injury unit.

There is information on our website on where to find services and opening times on the Isles of Scilly.

Emergency healthcare

Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and serious life-threatening cases - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, has this advice: "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."

Appointments during industrial action

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced junior doctors will take industrial action from 7am on 27th June until 7am on 2nd July 2024. 

GP practices will continue to be open during the junior doctors strike. Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.

If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

Family or friend in hospital? 

NHS trusts are asking families, friends, and neighbours to work with staff to get patients home from hospital when they are fit for discharge. If you have a loved one in hospital, please be ready to help them home as soon as they are well enough.

Fast access one-off grants are also available. If you can support someone with a little extra help, either in their home or yours, please speak to a nurse in charge on the ward.

Links and information

Visit the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly website or follow NHS Cornwall on Facebook for news, updates and advice.