111 phone or online service can refer into Emergency Departments or direct to Urgent Treatment Centres/Minor Injury Units if needed.

People in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay are being urged to do their bit to relieve pressure at busy hospitals by making use of NHS 111 and local urgent treatment centres and minor injury units.

Emergency Departments (EDs) at all the county’s hospitals are currently seeing very high demand, and many have ambulances outside waiting to handover patients.

Other parts of the NHS healthcare system have capacity to look after people with less severe needs to allow EDs (also known as A&E) to focus on those who need help the most.

Anyone contacting 111 who needs emergency medical care from a hospital ED will be given direct access to the department. Staff at NHS111 can direct people to Minor Injuries Units and Urgent Treatment Centres. This will ensure that people get to the right place for treatment quickly and may reduce their waiting times.

NHS Devon’s Clinical Lead for Urgent Care and Plymouth GP Dr Dafydd Jones said: “Using NHS111 online or by phone allows you to access medical advice for urgent health issues from the comfort of your home and with the knowledge that, if you do need go to a minor injury unit or emergency department, you can be booked directly in and have a shorter wait on site. It also helps to reduce pressure on our busy urgent and emergency care services.

“When you are injured or unwell it can be difficult to know where best to access help, especially outside normal working hours. NHS111 staff have the expertise to make that decision for you and advise you where to go, if needed, and what to do next.”

Some hospitals in the county are also experiencing challenges due to norovirus and other viruses. Local people are being reminded not to visit friends and relatives in hospital if they have norovirus (an illness that causes vomiting and diarrhoea) or COVID-19 symptoms. For more details on how to treat norovirus, which usually goes away after two to three days, see the NHS website.

Parents can also get advice on common childhood illnesses can be found on the HANDi paediatric app and parents from Devon are being urged to download the app to access quick and convenient advice.

Many minor conditions and symptoms can be managed at home without seeking further advice. Visit the NHS website www.nhs.uk for a complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.

You can find information about local Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units on the websites of local NHS trusts in Devon:

• NHS Royal Devon | Minor injuries units (MIUs) and Walk-in centre (WIC)
• Minor Injury Units in Plymouth and Kingsbridge (plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk)
• Minor Injuries Units - Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Mental health support

People are also being reminded that anyone experiencing a mental health crisis no longer needs to visit an Emergency Department for advice. Devon, Torbay and Plymouth mental health services provide a 24/7 First Response Service for anyone experiencing a crisis. The helpline offers expert mental health advice, support and signposting.

• Devon and Torbay – call 0808 196 8708
• Plymouth (18 years and over) – call 0800 923 9323
• Plymouth (under 18s) - call 01752 435122

Pharmacy

Pharmacists are qualified experts in treating minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, stomach upsets and aches and pains. If you need help you can find your nearest open pharmacy.