With the festival weekend just days away the Isle of Wight’s NHS is reminding Islanders and visitors of the various services available to them should they need urgent health advice or treatment.
The Isle of Wight Festival sees tens of thousands of people descend on Newport every June, which increases the pressure on resources.
There are a number of ways to seek medical advice over the festival period. This includes:
Pharmacies
can provide advice on minor conditions and can be accessed quickly, in confidence and without a wait to be seen. If you take prescription medication, it is important to check and make sure you have enough to see you through any holiday period.
NHS 111
is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you need to speak to someone urgently. 111 will carry out an assessment over the telephone and direct you to the best place to get treatment. This may include your local pharmacy, GP practice or the Urgent Care Service.
Festival Medical facilities
Available on the Isle of Wight Festival site throughout the weekend. These include a range of hospital and pharmacy services as well as the Festival welfare service.
Mental Health
Many people experience emotional health and wellbeing difficulties. To access mental health support, for adults or children, speak to your GP practice if they are open. You can also contact Mental Health Crisis Advice on 01983 522214 or Community Safe Haven on 03300 083888. You can also visit Community Safe Haven at Quay House, The Riverside Centre during opening hours 17:00-22:00 Monday-Friday and 10:00-22:00 at weekends and bank holidays.
999/A&E
The Emergency Department at St Mary’s Hospital and the use of 999 ambulances is for serious, life-threatening injuries and illnesses include loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, severe chest pain or breathing difficulty, serious burns, strokes and persistent fits. Misuse of ambulance services can cost lives – think before you dial 999.
