An NHS Health Hotline has launched for tourists who are visiting the South Lakes.

The phone line 03000 247 247 can be called from 9am to 5.30pm every day and tourists will be directed to the healthcare service that suits their requirements. This could be to discuss non-emergency health issues that need medical attention, and ordering prescription medication while away from home.

Operated by Cumbria Health on Call, on behalf of the Grange & Lakes Primary Care Network (PCN), the phone line is for any visitors to the region who aren’t registered with a GP in the South Lakes.

The development comes in the wake of a successful pilot campaign last year, which was introduced as a way of directing visitors towards the most appropriate healthcare channels, and easing the burden on General Practice.

Grange & Lakes PCN director Dr Julie Colclough said: “The Lake District sees many visitors every year and it is inevitable that some of those people will require medical attention and advice.

“The Tourist Health Hotline allows those in need to get their needs assessed and managed whilst allowing practices to continue to care for the residents living and working in the area.”

All practices within the Grange & Lakes PCN offer a number of specific appointments for tourists that are available to the helpline staff to use if they deem necessary.

Locations that this service is available include: Ambleside, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cartmel, Coniston, Flookburgh, Grange-Over-Sands, Grasmere, Greenodd, Grizedale, Haverthwaite, Hawkshead, Langdale, Levens, Lindale, Newby Bridge, Staveley, Troutbeck, Windermere.

For any urgent medical attention and advice, visitors should still visit www.111.nhs.uk or phone 111, and always call 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.