Summer health advice from NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
From where to go if you need treatment to how to make sure you don’t run out of medication over the bank holiday, here’s what you need to know.
Cream on top: summer health advice
NHS staff are joined by local residents from across Cornwall to explain which health services can help them over the summer.
Need NHS care this summer? Here’s how to find where is best
As the school summer holidays get underway, it’s important to know where to turn if you or your family need medical help.
We’re sharing NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly advice to help you stay well and make sure you get the right care, whether you’re at home in Cornwall or visiting the Isles of Scilly.
From knowing when to contact your GP, to understanding the best place to go in case of illness or injury, you’ll find helpful information to guide you on their website.
Pharmacy First
Did you know that under the Pharmacy First scheme, local pharmacies can offer medical advice and treatment for children and young people for a range of common conditions, including:
• Earache for young people (age 1 to 17)
• Sinusitis (age 12 and over)
• Sore throat (age 5 and over)
• Infected insect bite (age 1 and over)
• Impetigo, a skin infection (age 1 and over)
You don't need to see a GP and pharmacists can even provide some prescription medications.
By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to help free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care.
Find local pharmacy locations and opening times.
Repeat prescriptions
Do you have a repeat prescription, or care for someone who does? Make sure you order and collect it in good time before the late summer bank holiday on Monday 25 August 2025.
Contact your GP surgery to check their cut-off date, or order repeat prescriptions in the NHS App.
Check before you go
Minor injury units and the urgent treatment centre at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance are available for help with injuries that need urgent attention but are not a life or limb emergency. It's always worth checking open times, X-ray and live wait times before you go.
If you need help for something non-urgent and it can't wait until your GP surgery is open, or if you're unsure of what service you need, use NHS 111 online for help 24 hours a day. You can also call 111.
Always call 999 or visit the emergency department if it is a genuine emergency that is life- or limb-threatening, such as chest pain, major blood loss, loss of consciousness.
If you need any further advice, support or information on choosing an NHS service please contact us.
Call: Head office: 01872 273501 or 0800 038 1281
(This line is open Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm, and operates an out-of-hours answerphone service. We aim to respond to answerphone messages by close of business the following day).
or use our online form: www.healthwatchcornwall.co.uk/contact-us
