Get ready for summer

As we approach the summer holiday season, many families are planning holidays and days out. The NHS in Derby and Derbyshire is reminding residents to think about their health needs before travelling away from home

Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) at the DLN cluster ICB said:

“We all look forward to getting away during the summer months, particularly during the school holidays.  No one likes to be ill while away from home so by following the simple advice below you can ensure that your health needs are met without any impact on your holiday. 

“As we have experienced a prolonged period of hot, dry weather it is also important to use the right sunscreen and keep hydrated.  Use at least SPF 30 sunscreen to protect against UVB and at least 4- star UVA protection, make sure to use enough and re-apply it regularly, and keep children and young people out of direct sunlight.  It is also recommended to aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day.

“Following these simple tips can help ensure you enjoy a safe and healthy summer break, knowing that support is available if you need it.” 

Here are a few simple tips and advice to help ensure your holiday is enjoyable:

Self-care

Stock your medicine cabinet with essentials for common summer ailments such as hay fever treatments, pain relief and diarrhoea remedies, often available for under £10.

Think Pharmacy First

Available without an appointment, the Pharmacy First service provides expert healthcare advice and treatment from trusted pharmacists. Pharmacists can also provide advice and treatment for sunburn and other summer-related health concerns. 

Under the scheme, people of all ages can receive fast NHS treatment for conditions which don’t require a GP or hospital visit, including: 

  • Sinusitis (aged 12+) – blocked nose, headaches, facial pain 
  • Sore throat (aged 5+) – pain, swelling, difficulty swallowing 
  • Ear infections (aged 1-17) – ear pain, fever, discharge 
  • Infected insect bites (aged 1+) – swelling, redness, pus 
  • Impetigo (aged 1+) – red sores, blisters, crusting skin 
  • Shingles (aged 18+) – painful rash, blisters, burning sensation 
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) (women aged 16-64) – pain when urinating, frequent need to pee. 

Pharmacies can also give advice for a wide range of minor conditions without the need for a GP appointment.

GP Services

If symptoms aren’t going away, you can contact your GP surgery even if you are away from home – they may be able to offer a telephone or video consultation and arrange for any necessary prescription to be dispensed by a pharmacy near where you are staying.  If you are away for a longer period you can register at a GP surgery as a temporary resident. NHS 111 can direct you to GP out of hours services if you need them.

NHS 111

Visit NHS 111 online or call 111. These free services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These services offer advice for people who aren’t sure what medical advice or treatment they need, they can even direct you to the most appropriate service and may be able to arrange an appointment if required.

Urgent Treatment Centres

These provide medical care when it is not a life-threatening emergency and can treat strains and sprains, bites and stings as well as feverish illnesses in adults and children.

The five Urgent Treatment Centres in Derby and Derbyshire are open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm. Walk-in or call 111 for an appointment slot.

  • Derby Urgent Treatment Centre on Osmaston Road
  • Buxton Hospital
  • Ripley Hospital
  • Ilkeston Hospital 
  • Whitworth Hospital 

Dental Treatment

If you require an urgent dental appointment visit 111 online or call 111 for advice and assistance in accessing urgent dental care.

Mental Health Crisis

You can access urgent mental health help by calling NHS 111 and choosing option 2 to be connected to a mental health professional.

NHS App

The app allows easy access to manage a range of health services including ordering repeat prescriptions, checking test results, read messages from the NHS and book and manage appointments. You can also change the pharmacy you want to send your prescriptions to if you are going to be away from home in another part of England.