People living in Highland Perthshire are being reminded that GP surgeries and pharmacies across Tayside will be changing their opening times over the festive period.
NHS Tayside are encouraging people to prepare for the closures by ensuring that they have any necessary prescriptions ordered in plenty of time so that they have enough to last the festive period, ensure that they have the right medicines to treat common illnesses they may develop, know how to check any illness symptoms using the NHS Inform website, and know who to call to get the right help should they become unwell.
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan, said: “We are anticipating very high call volumes over the festive break and a continued high demand for the 111 service. NHS 24 staff continue to work tirelessly, with a commitment to deliver safe and effective services 24/7 and answer every call as quickly as possible.
“It’s vital that everyone is aware of what help and advice there is out there over the Christmas and new year public holidays.
“For any health care advice or information that is urgent, but not life-threatening, go online and use nhsinform.scot. NHS inform has lots of health guidance, whether that be self-care advice, information on the appropriate healthcare providers that are close to home. It also explains when and why to call the 111 service.
“Scotland’s Service Directory is a brilliant resource and can be accessed on NHS inform, but very easily on NHS 24’s new app NHS 24 Online. The website and app have the handy ‘Find my Nearest’ function that allows the user to locate health and care services within their local area by using their post code or location. They will be able to see how far away each service is, if it is open or closed, and phone numbers for the service. The app can be downloaded quickly, and could make seeking advice even more convenient.”
GP surgeries across Tayside will be closed for eight days over the festive period, the dates of the closures are:
- Saturday, 24th of December (Christmas Eve)
- Sunday, 25th of December (Christmas Day)
- Monday, 26th of December (Boxing Day)
- Tuesday, 27th of December
- Saturday, 31st of December (New Years Eve)
- Sunday, 1st of January (New Years Day)
- Monday, 2nd of January
- Tuesday, 3rd of January
To find out the opening times for your local pharmacy, please contact them directly or check their website.
Dr Ryan went on to say: “We are grateful for the public’s patience and understanding if they have to wait to access the 111 service during this period of high demand. By encouraging the public to have ‘Healthy Know How,’ it is hoped more people in Scotland will have a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.”
“If you do fall ill over the festive period, it’s essential you know where to get the right care, in the right place. Anyone in a situation considered life-threatening or an emergency, should still always call 999 or go straight to the Emergency Department.”
For more details on the Healthy Know How campaign, visit: www.nhsinform.scot/winter