Travel Advice

Our nurses are fully trained to offer travel advice, should you wish to seek comprehensive assessment regarding your travel please contact us at least 6-8 weeks in advance so that we can review your health records and undertake assessment of the intended place of visit in order to make sure our advice is tailored to your particular needs. Plese use link below to download assessment form to submit the necessary information we need to undertake this assessment.

Travel Assessment Form

Please note travel advice is covered by the NHS; however some vaccinations and prescriptions are only available privately. However, for non-NHS services you may be directed to a travel clinic. 

Additionally, we have put together some useful information that you might find helpful to stay healthy on your trip. Please read on or follow the link below where you can find out all the information of how to stay safe when visiting different countries. 

Travel Advice

General personal health and prevention advice

WATER

Diseases can be caught from drinking contaminated water, or swimming in it. 

Unless you know the water, supply is safe where you are staying,

ONLY USE (in order of preference)        

1. Boiled water
2. Bottled water or canned drinks
3. Water treated by a sterilising agent.  

This includes water used to make ice cubes in drinks and water for cleaning your teeth

FOOD

Contaminated food is the commonest source of many diseases abroad.  You can help prevent illness by following these guidelines for advice on consuming food and beverages:    

 *Peeled fruits for example bananas:  Unpeeled fruits for example, raspberries, strawberries. 

Another source of calories is alcohol!  If you drink to excess, alcohol could lead you to become carefree and ignore these precautions.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

Many diseases are transmitted by what is known as the ‘faecal-oral’ route.  To help prevent this, always wash your hands with soap and clean water after going to the toilet, before eating and before handling food.  Using hand gel is another sensible option.

SUN AND HEAT

Sunburn and heat-stroke cause serious problems in travellers but in the long term can be a serious cause of skin cancer.  There is no such thing as a safe suntan, but the following advice should be taken:

PRECAUTIONARY GUIDELINES

• Increase sun exposure gradually, with a 20-minute limit initially.
• Use sun blocks which contain both UVA and UVB protection and sufficient sun protection factor (SPF) and a minimum of SPF 15. Children under 3 years should have a minimum of SPF 25 and babies under 6 months should be kept out of the sun at all times.  Reapply often and always after swimming and washing.  Read manufacturer instructions
• Always apply sunscreen first followed by an insect repellent spray on top
• Wear protective clothing – sunhats, T shirts and sunglasses etc.
• Avoid going out between 11am - 3pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest
• Take special care of children and those with pale skin/red hair
• Drink extra fluids in a hot climate
• Be aware that alcohol can make you dehydrated

Download Full Practice Leaflet for Travel Advice

If you take regular medications and are planning to travel away from home, we recommend following these steps to ensure that you are able to take your medicine regularly without any difficulties.

1. If you feel you will need additional supply of medicines while travelling then please contact us at least two weeks in advance before you travel, so that we can review your list of medicines and get them ready for collection.
2. You may need a formal letter signed by us for a few reasons listed below (please note this is non-NHS service so you may have to pay for the letter):
1. List of medicines that you regularly take and why you need to take them with you
2. If you are travelling abroad and need to take needles and syringes with you or taking controlled drugs with you to a country that restricts their use
3. Please pack a copy of your prescription – you can ask your regular chemist to provide it to you or we can provide it from reception desk (please allow us time to get it ready for you – at least 72 working hours)
4. Carry your medication in labelled packaging. NHS guidelines advice that you carry the majority in your hand luggage in a separate easily accessible bag and remaining in your suitcase luggage in case of loss or damages.
5. If you are travelling with liquid medicines over 100mls and you are travelling abroad, you may need a document to prove the liquid form of the medication is necessary. Please contact the airline you are travelling with to seek advice regarding regulations at the time of your journey. Please note this also includes medications such as inhalers.
6. Carrying over 100mls can sometimes mean this medication needs to be screened separately to your luggage - inform the security staff before going through security checks to make them aware of your medicines.
7. If you need to travel with needles or syringes you will need to carry the relevant medication alongside the equipment. You will not be able to travel with needles and syringes only. Your will also need a supporting letter.
8. If you are travelling to a warm country, get advice from the pharmacy on how to store your medication or see the NHS website for information regarding storing your medications.
9. The country you are travelling to may have restrictions on the medications that they allow into the country. Your airline or EMBASSY of the country you are travelling to may be able to help confirm the regulations. 
10. If any medications you are taking are controlled drugs and country where you are travelling to restricts their use then please contact airline team or contact the relevant embassy before you travel and you may need a supporting letter.