A new Triage and Treat service to help cope with Tenby and Saundersfoot’s influx of summer visitors has been launched in the resorts.

With the area now without a minor injury unit, and a staff shortage in Tenby doctors’ surgery, the service in two community pharmacies has been set up by the Hywel Dda health board.

It is available to visitors, holidaymakers and local residents.

During opening hours, Tenby’s Glen Pharmacy, opposite the surgery in Gas Lane and The Pharmacy, on The Strand in Saundersfoot will be able to assess injuries or symptoms and offer treatment if they are able.

Minor abrasions, superficial cuts and wounds; sprains and strains; eye complaints; removal of items from the skin, such as a splinter or shell and minor burns including sunburn are examples of injuries that can be treated under the service, with all community pharmacies able to offer general health advice and information.

Damian Williams from Glen Pharmacy treated an abrasion and a jellyfish sting last weekend, and said: “The patients were extremely complimentary, and thought the service was a great idea.”

Glen Pharmacy will be open from 8.30am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am-11.30am on Saturday, while The Pharmacy, Saundersfoot is open from 9am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday and 9.30am-noon on Saturday.

The British Red Cross summer service will also get underway in Tenby from this weekend.

It will operate out of Tenby Cottage Hospital on seven days a week until September 7, and will be open from 2pm-6pm Monday to Friday and 10am-7pm weekends and bank holidays.