Page 205 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  203

Personal Security and Health DIRECTORY

London and other major cities in southern England are densely Police and Emergencies
populated, with their share of social problems. However, other Accident and Emergency
towns and cities in the South are not dangerous for visitors (A&E) Departments
and it’s unlikely that you will come across any violence or ∑ nhs.uk (for your nearest unit)
crime. If you do encounter difficulties, contact the police Emergency Services
immediately. The National Health Service can be relied upon Tel 999 (24 hours)
for both emergency treatment, for which there is no charge, Police Non-Emergency
and routine treatment, for which you may have to pay if Service
your country has no reciprocal arrangement with England. Tel 101 (24 hours)
Outdoors
Royal National Lifeboat
Institution (RLNI)
∑ rnli.org
Medical Treatment
British Dental Association
(BDA)
∑ bda.org
NHS 111 Service
Tel 111 (24 hours)
∑ nhs.uk
A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service fire engine
Police and Emergencies hotel room. Keep your valuables areas. If you pick up a tick on
If you have been the victim of concealed, especially in crowded your skin, seek medical help.
a robbery or an assault, contact places. Stay away from deserted Unless you are experienced
the police; call the Emergency and unfamiliar places at night, at identifying fungi, do not
Services if the offender is still and always use licensed taxis. pick and eat mushrooms.
on the scene, or the Police
Non-Emergency Service if the
crime has already taken place. Outdoors Medical Treatment
Calling the Emergency Services Be careful around the sea – it A wide range of over-the-counter
will also put you in touch with can be dangerous. Currents can drugs are sold in England. Many
the fire, ambulance and – along suddenly sweep people, espe- medicines, however, are available
the coast – the HM Coastguard cially children, out to sea, and only with a doctor’s prescription.
rescue service. The NHS website inflatables can drift easily in a If you are likely to need medica-
lists the details of all Accident breeze, so tie them securely tion, either bring it with you or
and Emergency (A&E) on the shore. Never enter the ask your doctor to write out the
Departments in the UK. water when a red warning flag generic name of the drug.
is flying. If you see someone in If you are entitled to an NHS
trouble, dial 999 and ask for the prescription, you will be charged
Personal Property coastguard. Not all beaches are a standard rate; if not, you will
Report lost or stolen property supervised by a lifeguard. To be charged the full cost of
at the nearest police station or find those that are, visit the the drug. Remember to ask
call the Police Non-Emergency Royal National for a receipt to support
Service. For a theft, ensure you Lifeboat Institution any subse quent
get a crime reference number, (RNLI) website. insurance claim.
which will be required to make If you are walking Some pharmacies are
a claim on your insurance. For along clifftops, stay open until mid night;
lost or stolen passports, also away from the edge, contact your local
contact your country’s embassy which can be slippery. Pharmacy sign hospital for a list. For
or consulate. All of the main There are ticks on non-emergency medi-
bus and railway stations have wooded heathland – such as the cal problems, call the NHS 111
lost property offices. New Forest (see p97) and Exmoor Service, or consult a pharmacist.
Make sure your possessions (see pp122–3) – which can carry If you see a dentist in England,
are adequately insured before Lyme disease, so wear long you will have to pay. To find
you travel, and never leave sleeves and trousers, tucked NHS and private dentists near
them unattended in public into socks, and use insect you, visit the British Dental
places or on display in your repellent when walking in these Association (BDA) website.

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