Unwell and unsure what to do?
Please only call the NHS 111 Wales service (by dialling 111) if your health concern is urgent or you are directed to by the online symptom checker. This will help patients to get the right support and guidance in the right place at the right time.
The NHS 111 Wales website includes more than 65 symptom checkers and information about local services, and should be everyone’s first port of call before making a phone call.
Emergency department (A&E)
Only attend an emergency department if you have a life-threatening illness or serious injury, such as severe breathing difficulties, severe pain or bleeding, chest pain or suspected stroke.
Minor injuries departments (MIU)
If you have a less serious injury, then please visit one of our minor injury units. They can treat adults and children over 12-months of age, with injuries such as minor wounds or injuries, burns or scalds , insect bites or foreign bodies in the nose or ear .
Urgent care but not an emergency
If you have urgent care needs that cannot wait but are not 999 emergencies, please dial 111 for NHS 111 Wales for health advice, including what to do if you have an emergency dental problem and support.
The number is free to call, and this service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Seaside safety
Heading to the coast or out on the water is a great way to have fun and stay active. But, if you're not careful, it's a lot easier to get into trouble in the water than you might think. Conditions can change quickly and if you're not prepared, you can easily get caught out.
Choose a beach with RNLI lifeguards.
Know the Flags: Swim between red and yellow flags; use black and white flags for watersports; avoid red flag areas.
Check Signs: Heed all beach warning signs and information boards.
Supervise Children: Keep children close and constantly supervised near water.
Be Tide Aware: Check tide times and be aware of potential tidal cuts.
Never Swim Alone: Go with a friend or family member.
Float to Live
Lifeguarded beaches
If you visit a lifeguarded beach, there will be flags on the beach to show you where it’s safe to swim. If you’re planning to swim or bodyboard, stay between the red-and-yellow flags.
For surfboards, stand-up paddleboards or other non-powered craft, go between the black and white chequered flag. You should not swim there.
If a red flag is flying, the water is dangerous. Do not enter the water under any circumstances.
Animals in the countryside
Visiting Ceredigion is a great opportunity to see farm and other animals up close at our farm parks.
- Hand hygiene is critical especially for children, who often unthinkingly touch their face or mouth. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water (or use sanitiser if permitted, but soap/water is best) after touching animals or surfaces in animal areas, and before eating, drinking, or touching your face.
- Avoid kissing animals or letting them lick you.
- Only give animals farm-approved food, not your own snacks.
- Eat and drink only in designated cafes or picnic areas, away from animal contact zones.
Staying safe around cows and sheep
You may come across cattle when walking your dog in the countryside. Follow these simple tips by the National Farmers Union to stay safe:
- Stay vigilant, especially when entering a field – you may not be able to see the whole field.
- Cows are inquisitive animals. If cattle follow you try to stay calm and walk quickly and quietly around the herd and consider walking around the edge of the field.
- Don't get between cows and their calves. Walk around the herd and re-join the path when safe.
- If you have a dog, keep it on a short lead around cows and sheep, but consider letting go of the lead if you feel threatened by cattle so you can both get to safety separately.
- If you feel threatened by animals protecting their territory or young, don't panic or run. Move to the edge of the field and, if possible, find another way round.
- If the farmer has offered an alternative route because livestock are grazing, please use it to help the farmer keep you safe.