Easter in Devon is one of the busiest times of the year as thousands of visitors arrive to enjoy the county’s beaches, countryside and attractions.

As suitcases are packed and holiday plans finalised, the NHS in Devon is reminding both visitors and residents to plan ahead for their health too, helping ensure everyone can enjoy a happy and healthy bank holiday weekend.

The Easter bank holiday (Friday 3 – Monday 6 April) marks the start of the holiday season in Devon, when health services traditionally see an increase in demand.

Visitors and local people are being encouraged to make the best use of NHS services – especially community pharmacies – and to order any repeat prescriptions early.

Ahead of the Easter weekend, the advice is to:

• Order and collect repeat prescriptions early, particularly if you are travelling or planning to be away over the bank holiday
• Use community pharmacies and the Pharmacy First service for advice and treatment for common conditions such as sore throats, earache, sinusitis, infected insect bites and urinary tract infections
• Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk
• Visit NHS 111 online or call 111 if you need urgent medical advice or are unsure which service you should use
• Check in on vulnerable family members, friends or neighbours and make sure medicine cabinets are stocked with essentials
• Seek urgent dental care via NHS 111, where advisers can assess your needs and arrange an appointment if required
• Access mental health support through NHS 111 if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “Easter is a wonderful time to visit Devon and we look forward to welcoming many people to the county.

“While everyone is planning their trips, we’re encouraging people to plan for their health as well – ordering repeat prescriptions in advance and remembering that local pharmacies can help with many common conditions through the Pharmacy First service.

 “By choosing the right service and preparing ahead, visitors and residents can help ensure urgent and emergency care is available for those who need it most.”

Contact your own GP practice first

Visitors to Devon are also reminded that their first port of call for GP care should normally be their home GP practice, which can often 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 ear ache, insect bites and urinary tract infections, 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.

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, which can be particularly helpful when some services are closed over the bank holiday. 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.

By planning ahead, ordering prescriptions early and making use of community pharmacies and NHS 111, visitors and residents can help ensure everyone stays well over Easter while protecting urgent and emergency services for the most serious conditions.

Industrial action by resident doctors 

The long Easter weekend leads into strike action by resident doctors on Tuesday 7 April to Monday 13 April.

People are being reminded that if they have not been contacted directly, they should attend NHS appointments as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

Regardless of any strike action taking place, it’s vital that people who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and serious life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.