Accessing urgent healthcare on holiday
With thousands of visitors expected to the area over the next two months, Hywel Dda University Health Board is continuing to work with primary care contractors to ensure that essential and urgent healthcare is available for both residents and visitors.
A campaign informing those visiting Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, recently launched by the health board, includes leaflets in accommodation packs, posters for display in visitor accommodation and radio adverts across local stations.
Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long-term Care for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We are extremely proud of our staff and primary care contractors in Hywel Dda who continue to work hard to protect the health of our communities in response to COVID-19.
“We continue to work with our partners in local authority to implement our planned response and stringent infection control measures.
“We are grateful for the co-operation of visitors to the area, and ask that people familiarise themselves with the information on how to access urgent care while on holiday.
“Everyone can take simple steps to stay well by washing your hands regularly, using hot water and soap or hand sanitiser, and adhering to good social distancing.”
Social distancing is in place across GP surgeries, pharmacies, dental practices and optometrists for the safety of patients and staff. Healthcare professionals seeing patients face-to-face to assess or provide treatment will be using the appropriate PPE and screens are in place at some counters and reception areas.
Services are operating in a different way during this pandemic and many practices are utilising new technology to triage and consult with their patients including the use of video calls.
Dr Sion James, Deputy Medical Director for Hywel Dda University Health Board added: “Now the tourism sector is welcoming people back to our beautiful region, it is important that visitors know how to access urgent healthcare should they fall ill whilst on holiday.
“We would like to thank our contractors in primary care who continue to work hard to offer essential and urgent services to their patients and visitors during this difficult time.”
Information for those visiting the three counties includes:
COVID-19 symptomsFor COVID-19 related advice, please call 111. If you develop symptoms (a new continuous cough, high temperature, or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) you, and anyone travelling with you, must return home as quickly as possible if well enough to do so, and book a test via https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-test
or call 119. You must not use public transport. If you are too unwell to return home straightaway, and require a test locally, please go to https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/tourist-and-visitor-information/
Urgent care
Always call 999 for emergencies or visit your nearest A&E. For minor injuries you can attend a minor injury unit.
Paediatric care
If your child becomes ill, please dial 999 if it is an emergency. If it is not urgent but you need support, contact 111 who will know where your local services are. Please note not all our hospitals have a full range of paediatric services.
General Practice care
Urgent care: You should call a local practice covering the address where you are staying. Please do not visit the surgery in person; practices have strict measures in place. If the practice thinks you need face-to-face treatment, the practice will tell you what you need to do. Practices are not able to offer non-essential care. Non-urgent care: Contact your own surgery to receive advice over phone or online.
Pharmacy care
If you need repeat medication, you should contact the GP practice you are registered with to get a prescription. An emergency supply of medication may be provided, without a prescription, if specific criteria is met. Please phone ahead before visiting the pharmacy. You may be asked to wait outside.
Dental and eye care
If you have an urgent dental or eye problem which cannot wait until you get home, please call 111 to access an emergency appointment. Please note if you have bleeding that won’t stop following an extraction, severe facial swelling or swelling that is making it difficult to breathe, you need to go to A&E.
For a full range of FAQs, and for contact details of local healthcare services, please visit: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/primary-care/ For general advice call 111.