The NHS in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is advising local people about staying healthy during the summer break whether they are staying at home or traveling.

The advice highlights key steps such as packing a first aid kit filled with essentials, including painkillers and plasters, applying sunscreen even on cloudy days, and ensuring proper hydration in warm weather.

The health body reminds those travelling within the UK to use the NHS 111 service for non-emergency issues.

Travellers to EU countries are urged to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), allowing them to access necessary healthcare as a resident of the host nation.

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Dr Fiona Head, chief medical officer at NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “Whether you’re staying close to home or travelling further afield, it’s a great idea to take some simple steps to protect the health of you and your family when you’re preparing for your trip.

“From packing a first aid kit to making sure you know who to call if you develop a medical concern whilst away, all these easy, quick jobs can help you and your loved ones enjoy summer safely.”

As schools across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough head into the summer holidays this week, the local NHS is offering parents and carers some advice and tips on how to help the NHS this summer.

The simplest thing is having a well-stocked first aid kit, both at home and when out and about over the holidays. To help treat any minor medical problems quickly basic first aid items such as plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes and painkillers should be easily accessible, and can be stored in a car or in a bag taken out for the day. 

Pharmacies are not just there to collect your prescriptions, they also sell a wide range of medications which can be purchased without the need for a trip to the GP.

The Pharmacy First scheme can offer treatment and some prescription medicine for the following conditions for children; earache (for children 1-17); impetigo (for children over one); infected insect bites (for children over one); sinusitis (for children over 12); and sore throats (for children over five). Find a local pharmacy by searching ‘find a pharmacy’ online.

Locally there are four centres that can help with minor illnesses and injuries such as sprains, strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, cuts, bites and stings. These centres are:

Ely Minor Injury Unit

Doddington Minor Injury Unit

Wisbech Minor Injury Unit

Peterborough Urgent Treatment Centre.

Dr Fiona Head said: “To make the most of the summer holidays, it's important we take these simple steps to stay well and get healthcare support we need from the right place.

“If anyone in your family does start to feel unwell and you need some advice, please use NHS 111 first. It can link you to the right service for your issue, and will get you to speak to a doctor or nurse if necessary. Together we can all stay well and enjoy the summer holidays.”

For more information take a look at the local NHS website at: https://www.cpics.org.uk/well-together