14 April 2025

Islanders and visitors are being encouraged to Know Where to Go for medical help and advice this Easter bank holiday weekend to ensure they receive the right care and help ease pressure on emergency services. 

Bank holidays are typically busy for hospitals and urgent and emergency services. Over the Easter bank holiday weekend, St Mary’s  sees an average of 20% more people attending the Emergency Department, including those who could be better treated elsewhere.  

Emergency Departments are for life-threatening injuries and conditions and are not the right place for non-urgent injuries or illnesses. 

Our Medical Director, Steve Parker, said: “We hope everyone enjoys the Bank Holiday weekend with no injury or illness but it’s important to Know Where to Go if you need urgent medical advice or treatment. 

“We often see people attending our Emergency Department when they are not sure where else to go but it is vital that we keep Emergency Departments available for those who need lifesaving care. 

“For anything that is non-life-threatening, NHS111 Online or calling NHS111 is a good place to start or your local pharmacy for advice if you’re feeling unwell.   

“If you have a long-standing medical condition that can wait until your General Practitioner (GP) is open you can discuss your ongoing care, diagnosis, and referrals with them.  These services can help you get the right care and can often save you time and an unnecessary journey.

Our Head of Nursing Urgent and Emergency Care, Rosie Jones, said “Many common childhood illnesses such as colds, stomach bugs, scrapes and grazes can be effectively managed at home or with help from local NHS services such as community pharmacies.”

  • Coughs and colds are usually mild and can be managed with rest and fluids. 
  • A raised temperature is natural response to infection, use children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed. If a child under 3 months has a temperature over 38°C, or if a child over 3 months has a temperature above 39°C, seek medical advice. Your GP can help or NHS 111 when the GP is closed. 
  • Sore throats are often viral and can be soothed with warm drinks and honey (for children over one year old). 
  • Ear discomfort, usually following coughs and colds, often clears up on its own and can be relieved with painkillers. 
  • If a child has an upset stomach, make sure they drink plenty of water and encourage regular handwashing to prevent germs spreading. 
  • Scrapes and grazes cleaning the wound and covering it with a plaster or dressing. This will help stop it getting infected. 

First aid kits are always useful to have stocked with things you may need to save you rushing to the pharmacy during the holidays.  

Pharmacies are a convenient option for minor illnesses 

Many pharmacies will be open over the Bank Holiday weekend. You can find the full list here. 

For more information on accessing the right medical care, visit: https://www.iow.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/know-where-go-urgent-medical-help