How you can stay well and help us during the hot weather
Health services in Devon are currently extremely busy, including University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
We are asking people to help us to relieve pressure on our services so we can care for our most unwell patients and reduce waits in our Emergency Department.
Collecting loved ones
If you have a friend or family member who is in hospital, we ask that you collect them as soon as possible when they are ready to be discharged. This makes the bed available for others who are unwell and reduces pressure on our busy emergency departments.
Think 111
Call or visit NHS111 online where you may be booked an appointment at your nearest Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre. This will ensure you get to the right place for treatment and reduce your waiting time.
Minor Injury Units are an alternative when an injury is not considered life-threatening, but still requires urgent treatment.
They can see a range of minor injuries and minor illnesses and can typically see you within two hours.
Opening hours 7 days a week:
- UTC Cumberland Centre, open every day 08:00 – 18:00
- MIU Tavistock open every day 08:30 – 17:30
- MIU South Hams 09:00 – 17:00
Staying well in the heat
If someone is showing signs of minor heat exhaustion (headache, dizziness, nausea), NHS advice is to get them to lie down in a cool place, give them plenty of water to drink and help to cool their skin with a sponge or spray.
Remember to:
- Apply sun cream, avoiding being out in the sun between 11:00 and 15:00, cover up and wear a hat.
- Avoid being stung by; wearing shoes, covering exposed skin, applying insect repellent and avoiding strongly perfumed cosmetics.
You can avoid a long wait in an emergency department by treating minor conditions at home. Pharmacists can offer advice on sunburn, insect bites and stings and will have creams, paracetamol and antihistamines that can ease discomfort.
For more information about when to come to the Emergency Department and when to visit an Urgent Treatment Centre or Minor Injuries Unit, visit our Stay Well pages.
