Pop-Up Minor Injuries Unit returns for the Bank Holiday

Coastal residents and holidaymakers in West Norfolk are being urged to use a Pop-Up Minor Injuries Unit over the Bank Holiday weekend to support frontline NHS services.

First Aiders from St John Ambulance will be running the Pop-Up Minor Injuries Unit on the Lower Green, Cliff Parade, Hunstanton, PE36 6DZ, over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The team, based in one of their mobile first aid posts, will be on hand between 11am to 6pm on Saturday 24 August, Sunday 25 August and Monday 26 August, when they will be offering treatment for minor injuries that might otherwise lead to a trip to the local Emergency Department or another NHS service.

Having run the service over the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2018, St John Ambulance are again providing this service for the benefit of patients and frontline NHS staff.

The First Aiders, who will be set-up on the Lower Green, are able to treat, for example:

• Minor bleeding – cuts, grazes, bruises
• Sprains and strains
• Allergies, stings and bites
• Effects of the heat such as dehydration and sunburn

The unit is not just open for residents and holidaymakers in Hunstanton but also for those in nearby Snettisham, Heacham, Holme, Thornham and Burnham Market areas.

Christopher Levis, District Manager for St John Ambulance in Norfolk said: “We are delighted to be working again with West Norfolk CCG on this initiative following the success of last year’s partnership in providing first aid to the community of Hunstanton and surrounding villages. We hope that by providing this facility over the busy bank holiday weekend that this will help to relieve pressure on local A&E departments. If you have sustained a minor injury and need any assistance over the August Bank Holiday weekend, please come and speak to one of our volunteers at the pop-up unit.”

Lead Director for West Norfolk CCG, Jeanette Hucey, said “Bank Holidays are always a busy time for the NHS, particularly with minor injuries, so we would like to appeal to people to consider using the NHS 111 service, a pharmacist or the Pop-Up Unit.

“The unit will help people to get quick treatment for minor injuries so they can then go on to enjoy the rest of their day”.

In the run-up to the Bank Holiday weekend, patients are also asked to ensure they order in advance any regular medicines they take, and not to leave health problems until they get worse.

All patients are asked to consider calling the NHS 111 service, which is available 24/7, or visiting a pharmacist, who can offer treatment advice for minor injuries, illnesses and infections. Pharmacists can also dispense emergency contraception and prescription medication.

Dr Anoop Dhesi, a GP in Staithe Surgery, Stalham, said: “If you are feeling unwell, don’t let the situation deteriorate or settle for hoping it will go away. Talk to your pharmacist or call NHS 111 for help and advice. If you know an elderly person who is unwell, encourage them to seek help, or alternatively, call NHS 111 or speak to their local pharmacist on their behalf.

“If you use repeat prescription medicine make sure you have enough to last for the bank holiday. It takes at least 48 hours for your GP practice to process a repeat prescription request and your GP practice will be closed on bank holiday Monday (please check their website for details)."

Pharmacy opening times for the August Bank Holiday weekend can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/east-of-england/nhs-england-and-nhs-improvement-east-of-englands-work/pharmacy-information/