We’re campaigning for a happy and healthy summer

A major campaign is being launched across Suffolk, north east Essex and east London to offer useful tips and advice to support people’s health and wellbeing this summer.

The campaign highlights how anyone feeling physically unwell and not sure what to do can call NHS 111 or visit NHS 111 online for urgent treatment, and anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call NHS 111 and choose option 2, anytime of the day or night.

People are urged not to call 999 or go to A&E unless someone has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.

There are 62 community pharmacies in north east Essex and 134 in east and west Suffolk. The campaign will remind people that pharmacies are one of the most easily accessible sources of general health advice and treatment including common summer health issues like sunburn, hay fever, insect bites and stings, cuts, grazes and stomach upsets. No appointment is needed to speak with the pharmacist and many are open for business in the evenings and at weekends. You can find your local pharmacy here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

The campaign also features important messages on staying safe in the sun, keeping hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks and, for anyone using prescription medication, to remember to take it on holiday or out on a day trip if necessary.

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Colchester and Ipswich hospitals, reports people from east London holidaying in the area often attend A&E because they have left their prescription medication at home.

Adverts will be placed at underground stations and in newspapers in east London reminding people who are intending to visit Suffolk and north east Essex for their holiday to pack their prescription medication.

Alison Armstrong, director of North East Essex Community Services at ESNEFT, said: “We are lucky enough to welcome many people from east London who visit our part of the world each year for their holiday, so we want to make sure that they’re aware about the importance of taking their medication with them before they set off on their journey.

“If people do forget their prescription medication while on holiday, they should call their GP surgery back home to ask if an electronic prescription can be sent to a pharmacy near to where they are staying. This applies to anyone who is spending their holiday elsewhere in England. 

Alison added: “I strongly advise holiday makers to speak to our colleagues in local pharmacies in the first instance, who can be very helpful for a discussion about lost or forgotten prescriptions, minor injuries, cuts, burns, rashes and minor illnesses.

“For those people who have more pressing needs, we have urgent treatment centres easily accessible at Clacton Hospital, with a satellite site in Harwich, and of course the UTC is always available at Colchester.” 

Sue Wilkinson, Chief Nurse at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust said:

“If you or your loved-ones are feeling unwell and your condition isn’t life-threatening, we urge you to contact 111 in the first instance. If you need mental health crisis support, then calling 111 and selecting option 2 will put you through to dedicated help 24 hours a day.

“Using 111 as a first port of call will ensure you and your loved ones receive the right care in the right place, in a timely and safe way. Of course, in an emergency, our expert teams are always here for you.”

NHS Suffolk and North East Essex has teamed up with Visit Essex and Visit Suffolk who are promoting the messaging to accommodation providers in the counties and asking them to pass it on to people before they travel up to stay with them.

With many people enjoying time at the coast, the vital role of beach patrols will be given a spotlight as they are trained to give first aid. Some provide wristbands for children, offer water safety advice and will also help to find a missing child. The coastguard can be summoned via a 999 call if someone is in difficulty in the sea.

Lisa Nobes, Director of Nursing, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex, said: “The sun and heat can present a real danger to our health. I would remind everyone not to overdo it in hot weather and risk having to stay indoors for a few days.

“Go steady, keep in the shade as much as possible, use the right sun cream for your skin, drink plenty of water or soft drinks and, of course, take lots of precautions with little ones. Factor 50 is a must.”

For more advice about how to keep well this summer, please visit https://sneewellbeing.org.uk/summer/