A Spokesperson for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are continuing to see increased demands on our Emergency Department and so it is incredibly important you choose the right service for your need when you feel unwell or are injured.
“This will make sure everyone gets the right advice or treatment while ensuring that our Emergency Department is able to see and treat those people who are most in need. Please only call 999 in a genuine emergency.”
Mr Ian Currie, Medical Director, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation, said: “Our Emergency Department remains very busy and colleagues have been extremely working hard to care for our patients. We are asking for your help to make sure we can continue to care for those most in need. You can do this by choosing the right service for your needs.
“And please be patient – colleagues in all services across health and social care are working very hard to treat and care for people as safely and quickly as they can. Thank you for your support and understanding.”
You can self-care for many conditions at home with your first aid kit including grazes, scrapes and hangovers. Your local pharmacy can provide health advice and help with minor illnesses like colds, rashes, sunburn, hay fever and diarrhoea. You don’t need an appointment and they can even provide you with the right medicines at the same time.
Before contacting your GP, you can look up your symptoms online using the NHS App, the NHS website or 111 online and there may be steps you can take to help yourself before needing to contact a healthcare professional.
The NHS 111 service is available 24/7 to provide advice, treatment and care. Just ring 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk and the service will provide advice and refer you to another service if you need it. If you need to be seen in person, they can book you a time slot.
Other available services:
Our 24/7 mental health line is available on 0808 196 8708 if you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental wellbeingFor suspected sexual infections, advice or information as well as emergency contraception and support with unplanned pregnancy contact the Devon Sexual Health service on 0300
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