Stay safe in the sun and choose the right health service this Bank Holiday weekend
As we head into the second May Bank Holiday weekend with the hottest weather of the year so far predicted, NHS Surrey and Sussex is encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the sunshine safely and to use health services wisely.
With temperatures expected to climb to as much as 29°C and high UV and pollen levels forecast, people are urged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Many will be taking the opportunity to get outdoors, but with the warm and dry weather comes the risk of dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke - especially for older people, babies and young children, those with long-term health conditions, or anyone who may find it harder to stay cool.
To stay safe, people are reminded to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, drink plenty of fluids, wear a hat, walk in the shade, and stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm where possible. Those with hay fever are also advised to take regular medication, as pollen levels will remain high throughout the weekend.
The NHS is also asking people to help ensure emergency care is available for those who need it most by making the right choice when seeking medical help. Only use 999 or attend Emergency Departments in serious or life-threatening situations.
For anything less urgent, use NHS 111 online or by phone for advice and direction to the most appropriate service. Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs), Minor Injury Units (MIUs), walk-in centres, and community pharmacies are all available to support people with non-life-threatening health issues, providing expert treatment closer to home and often with much shorter waiting times than hospital emergency departments.
Find an urgent care service near you
Local community pharmacies will be open across the bank holiday and can offer advice and treatment for minor illnesses such as sunburn, insect bites, heat rash, sore throats, and hay fever. Community pharmacies can also support people with minor illnesses under the Pharmacy First scheme.
As part of the NHS service people can get quick access to healthcare advice for the following seven conditions:
- Earache (for people aged 1 to 17 years)
- Impetigo (for people aged 1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (for people aged 1 year and over)
- Shingles (for people aged 18 years and over)
- Sinusitis (for people aged 12 years and over)
- Sore throat (for people aged 5 years and over)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (for women aged 16 to 64 years)
Find a list of pharmacies open in Surrey and Sussex over the bank holiday weekend