WITH around five million people visiting Devon each summer, the NHS says it has ensured there are extra services in some tourist hotspots to reduce pressure on busy emergency departments.

NHS Devon’s chief medical officer, Dr Nigel Acheson, said: “We want to reassure both our local residents and our visitors that the NHS is committed to providing local urgent care services this summer.

“At peak times up to one quarter of people in our busy emergency departments are visitors to the area.

“In most cases, visitors who are unwell while on holiday here can access help through a pharmacist or their GP back home.

“Choosing the best service for your condition can help you get support more quickly and reduces pressure on our busy emergency services.”

Minor Injuries Units (MIU) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) are located across the county and are there for people needing urgent medical attention, but not in a life-threatening situation.

Treatment starts at home for many conditions, but for more serious sprains, burns, wounds that need stitching and suspected broken limbs you may be treated more quickly in your nearest Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre, says the NHS.

NHS111 online provides advice and is designed to direct patients to the most appropriate service for their needs.

The MIU at Totnes Community Hospital has reopened seven days a week from 8am to 5pm, and its X-ray facility is available all day on Monday, as well as Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

X-ray is available seven days a week from 9am to 5pm at Newton Abbot UTC.

Patients can also access support for minor conditions from their local pharmacist who can offer advice and over the counter remedies.

Whether it’s sunburn, an insect bite, an upset stomach or earache, a local pharmacy can offer quick and easy assistance for minor conditions.

Finally, visitors to the area who become unwell or have forgotten a prescription, can access help through their GP back home.

They will be able to offer an appointment by telephone or online and can arrange a prescription which can be picked up locally.