With Mediterranean temperatures forecast this weekend the NHS in Norfolk is issuing advice to help people stay safe in the sun and go to the right place for assistance if they feel unwell or are injured.
The Met Office says the mercury could reach 27C in the East of England and 29C in the South on Sunday.
With large crowds expected at “Festival Too”, one of Europe’s biggest free pop festivals taking place in King’s Lynn this weekend and next weekend, people are being urged to take extra steps to help protect themselves from conditions such as sunburn and dehydration.
Director of Nursing at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gwyneth Wilson, said: “Instead of rushing to A&E or to see a doctor if you are unwell we would encourage everyone to think about the type of healthcare that best suits their needs. There may be an alternative that brings faster relief.”
Many minor injuries and illnesses can be treated using your own medicines cabinet at home. There is really clear advice at www.nhs.uk about what to put in a medicine cabinet, including painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, diarrhoea treatments, rehydration salts, antihistamines and sunscreen.
Next stop might be a pharmacy. Community pharmacies can advise and help you treat a wide range of problems.
If you have a serious health problem – unless it is a genuine emergency – medical advice and urgent healthcare information can be accessed by calling 111, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Patients can call the freephone number for non-emergency, but urgent medical concerns that cannot wait to see your GP. The 111 service can also help someone find their nearest NHS dentist in the case of an emergency.
If you need to be seen immediately but you do not have a serious illness or injury, you can access the Timber Hill Health Centre in Castle Mall, Norwich (7am-9pm), seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Cromer Minor Injuries Unit is open seven days a week from 8am-8pm 365 days a year. The unit is based at Cromer Hospital on Mill Road, Cromer, NR27 0BQ. Tel: 01603 646230. It is run by emergency nurse practitioners, experienced nurses who can see and treat all forms of minor injury.
People having fun in the sun have been urged to follow simple hints and tips to protect their skin and safeguard against heatstroke and other conditions.
These include:
• wear clothing made of cotton, as it offers good protection against the sun
• protect your face and neck with a wide-brimmed hat
• always wear sunglasses in strong sunlight
• use a high factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) whenever you are out in the sun and re-apply regularly
• never allow your skin to burn
• stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm)
• take cool showers and baths to help keep your temperature down
• drink plenty of cold water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty
• avoid alcohol, coffee and tea as these can dehydrate you
• check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves
• never leave anyone, especially infants or young children, or animals in a closed, parked vehicle
Dr Anoop Dhesi, chair of North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (NN CCG), said: “We want everybody to enjoy the long-awaited sunny weather. However, we would encourage everyone to follow this common sense advice as it will help them to stay well. This is particularly important for older people, babies, young children and people with respiratory or heart problems, who may be more vulnerable in the heat.
“If you are worried about your health, feel unwell or have any unusual symptoms because of the warmer weather there is plenty of help available. People may be able to manage their symptoms at home or with the help of their local pharmacist, in turn meaning they do not have to go and see their GP or attend A&E.”
Monarch Catering Services, Norfolk, Suffolk
