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The NHS in Devon is taking standard precautionary measures to ensure capacity is available to support the multi-agency response to the unexploded bomb in Plymouth. In order to support the ongoing preparedness agencies take during a major incident, we need to preserve the Emergency Department at University Hospitals Plymouth for life threatening conditions only today.

In responding to a major incident we would not want to delay the hospital’s response by managing non-critical illness or injury which can be seen at our other services. Please do not attend our Emergency Department if you are able to wait until after this evening.

There will be enhanced levels of staffing at our Urgent Treatment Centre and the Cumberland Centre in Devonport, and staff will be able to see you for urgent treatment. There are also Minor Injury Units available at Kingsbridge (South Hams Hospital) and Tavistock hospital.

The advice from NHS Devon is to:

• Continue to call 999 in emergency and life-threatening cases - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk
• Go to NHS 111 online if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital; you can also phone 111
• Please check local hospital trust websites for information on Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres. Further information can be found here: Health Pressures - One Devon
• Play your part by taking simple steps to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. A first step is making sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked.
• Please pick up loved ones who are ready to be discharged from hospital.
• Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. Details about local pharmacies be found via the interactive map here: Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from a number of places:

• 24/7 urgent mental health helpline 0808 196 8708
• Mental Health Matters helpline (24/7) 0800 470 0317
• Mental Health Crisis Line Plymouth is open 24/7 0800 923 9323
• Samaritans 1116 123
• Text SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 text support

Patient safety is our top priority. It is critical that those needing emergency or life-saving care contact 999 or attend ED but we ask everyone else to choose the best service for their medical need. For conditions that are not life-threatening, we ask people to consider 111, their GP or local pharmacy first.