Devon is expecting record numbers of visitors over the bank holiday weekend, and the Royal Devon is expected to be very busy through the weekend, leading to busy emergency departments and long waits.

Colleagues are working hard to ensure patients continue to receive timely and compassionate care while services are busy, but we need everyone’s help and are asking people to prepare for the bank holiday and to choose the right healthcare service for their needs.

Accessing the most appropriate care for your condition not only helps you get the care and advice you need in a timely way, but also helps others do the same. 

By planning ahead, ordering prescriptions early and making use of community pharmacies and NHS 111 (who can help with urgent dental care and mental health support), visitors and residents can help ensure everyone stays well over the bank holiday while protecting urgent and emergency services for the most serious conditions.

Vanessa Purday, Chief Medical Officer at the Royal Devon: “We're planning for a busy bank holiday weekend across Devon as visitors arrive to enjoy our beautiful county.

Emergency Departments at our hospitals in Barnstaple and Exeter are expected to be in significant demand and people are waiting longer than we would like to be seen. We know that pressure will increase over this bank holiday weekend as visitor numbers go up.

I'd like to ask for your help to ensure we are able to provide emergency care for those who need us most during this busy time by choosing the most appropriate healthcare service for your needs.”

Contact your own GP practice first

The first port of call for GP care for visitors to Devon should be their home GP practice. They can provide advice through online, phone or video consultations and arrange for prescriptions to be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice in Devon.

Community pharmacies

Community pharmacies can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common conditions such as earache (children up to 17 years), insect bites, free contraception services, and free blood pressures checks without the need for a GP appointment through Pharmacy First, making them a quick and convenient option for many minor illnesses while people are away from home. You can search for a local pharmacy and their opening times here.

Urgent Treatment Centres, Minor Injuries Units and Walk-in Centres 

If you need urgent treatment, but your condition is not life threatening, you can use your local Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), minor injuries unit (MIU) or walk-in centre (WIC), where you will be seen by highly-qualified practitioners. This will ensure you receive the best possible treatment, leaving the emergency departments (ED) free to deal with more serious cases. You do not need to pre-book an appointment, just walk-in during our opening hours.  You can check the opening times of local Urgent Treatment Centres or Minor Injury Units by visiting the interactive map on the One Devon website or by using the NHS Quicker App.

Access the NHS App 24/7

People can also use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, check symptoms and access a range of NHS services. The app is free to download and available to use at any time.

In an emergency

For life-threatening emergencies – such as someone who is unconscious, struggling to breathe, having a severe allergic reaction, experiencing a seizure for the first time, or suffering serious injury or bleeding that won’t stop – always call 999.