As schools break up for the summer holidays, the local NHS is encouraging families to plan ahead and take simple steps to stay healthy over the weeks ahead.
Whether you’re enjoying days out close to home or heading away on holiday, knowing where to get the right NHS help can save time, avoid unnecessary stress and help keep everyone well.
NHS Central East, which support communities across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Hertfordshire & Milton Keynes, is highlighting five simple ways families can look after their health this summer:
- Pack a first aid kit – A well-stocked first aid kit can be invaluable for summer adventures. Keep essentials such as plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes and pain relief medicines, in the car or in a day bag, so you’re prepared for minor bumps and scrapes wherever you are.
- Order medicines before you travel – If you take regular medication, make sure you request repeat prescriptions well before you go away. GP practices and pharmacies can be particularly busy during the summer, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Remember to take enough medicine for your entire trip and keep it easily accessible while travelling.
- Think Pharmacy First – Your local pharmacy can help with much more than prescriptions. Pharmacists can offer expert advice and treatment for a range of common summer health issues, including hay fever, insect bites, sunburn, minor infections, sickness and diarrhoea – without needing a GP appointment. Find your nearest pharmacy by searching “find a pharmacy” online.
- Make sure your child has all their vaccinations –Parents and carers should check that their children are up to date with all routine vaccinations and arrange catch-up appointments for any missed doses. The NHS is contacting families of children aged 12 months to 11 years who may have missed their MMR vaccine, as measles cases rise in parts of the East of England. Families who receive an invitation should book as soon as possible.
Parents of older teenagers should also check if their child is eligible for the MenB vaccine, with appointments now available through participating community pharmacies for eligible 17 and 18 year-olds and some first-time university students aged under 25.
- Use NHS 111 when you need advice – For urgent medical help that isn’t an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111. The service can assess symptoms and direct people to the most appropriate care, whether that’s a pharmacy, GP, urgent treatment centre or A&E.
Dr Fiona Head, Medical Director, NHS Central East ICB said: “The summer holidays can be busy with lots to think about and plan, which is why we want to support local parents, carers and families to stay well and know where to turn when they need NHS help.
“If you’re heading away this summer, please remember to order any repeat prescriptions in good time before you travel, so you don’t find yourself without essential medication.
“We’re also encouraging parents to check that their children’s vaccinations are up to date. Measles and other childhood illnesses can be serious, but they are preventable. If you’ve been contacted by the NHS to catch up on your child’s vaccinations, please take up the offer and ensure your child has the best possible protection.
“We can all help the NHS by using the right service for illnesses and injuries, which means those most in need can receive the right care when they need it.”
You can find information on services and support on the NHS website.