Medical Matters: Not all sunshine when it comes to British heatwave

I feel incredibly fortunate to live within Devon, which attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the region every summer thanks to our gorgeous beaches and nearby moorland. 

Schools, colleges and universities are breaking up for the well-deserved summer holiday, which will see Torbay and South Devon very busy, which naturally puts more pressure on our services. 

But there is much that we can all do to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy this summer.

The sunshine makes us all feel better thanks to the boost of vitamin D it gives us, but sunburn can happen within 30 minutes and older people account for the majority of heat-related hospitalisations due to sunstroke; so please be careful in the heat and wear sunscreen.

Some people are particularly at risk from becoming dehydrated, including young children, pregnant women and the elderly and we should all take responsibility to regularly check on those most at risk from becoming dehydrated.

I recommend avoiding being out and about in the hottest part of the day if possible, and drink plenty of water throughout the day; if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.

For good hydration, the Eatwell Guide recommends that we should drink at least six to eight cups or glasses of fluid a day. 

Water is a healthy choice, but other drinks can also count towards your fluid intake such as low-fat milk and sugar-free drinks like tea and coffee; People should drink enough to ensure that their pee is a pale-yellow colour.

Exercise is always a good idea, but in high heat it can lead to dizzy spells and heatstroke. Try to exercise early or later in the day when it is cooler, and if you are doing something low impact such as a nice walk across the seafront, please remember to wear sunscreen, have a bottle of water, and wear a hat and light clothing to protect you.

The emergency department at Torbay Hospital is here for those who need immediate emergency care, but far too often is the first port of call for those needing medical assistance, even though it isn’t the correct place for them to be. 

We have Minor Injuries Units (MIU) in Dawlish, Newton Abbot and Totnes and these provide medical care and help for those who need to be seen the same day for an urgent problem, which can’t wait, but is not a life-threatening emergency.

However, our services aren’t suitable for all patients. We often see people who should have contacted their GP, visited a pharmacy or self-cared at home attend our emergency department for matters such as headaches, routine wound care or longstanding illness.

Our MIU’s provide care and treatment for a range of minor injuries and illnesses. This includes wounds, (cuts, lacerations and grazes), burns and scalds, sprains and strains, broken bones, bites and stings, low risk head injuries and eye problems, and minor illnesses including throat, ear and eye infections.

The units are run by a team of highly qualified nurses and paramedic practitioners who have experience and expertise in treating minor injuries; our MIUs at Dawlish and Totnes operate appointment priority services, with people able to book an appointment for the same day.

But we ask that if you need help, please call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk who can signpost you to the most appropriate service. This could be self-care, pharmacy, GP, MIU, or emergency department.

Please visit our website for more information on our units and what they can help with.

I hope you have a lovely summer.