Healthsmart atChristmas

NHS Lanarkshire is asking people to be aware of the common medical mishaps this festive season and know where to go for the right help and advice.

It comes after the launch of their winter health campaign warning people to stay away from stretched A&E departments unless absolutely necessary.

This means under-pressure medical staff are free to deal with emergencies.

In their “12 Days of Christmas” campaign, NHS Lanarkshire highlights these potential accidents and complaints that can frequently occur over Christmas and New Year.

This includes paper cuts to fingers, mouths and even eyeballs, electric shocks from overloading sockets or dodgy fairy lights and minor burns from cooking, hot gravy or candles.

Other common accidents include falling over while decorating the tree or hanging up mistletoe, falling or tripping after drinking too much alcohol, small children swallowing bits off new toys or tripping over discarded packaging, wrapping or other clutter.

Dr John Keaney, NHS Lanarkshire’s divisional medical director for acute services and A&E consultant, said: “It is not uncommon for people to turn up to A&E with very minor conditions.

“We have had people looking for help removing false nails and eyelashes, and we also get people attending with conditions which have been present for days or weeks who have not taken simple painkillers or tried to contact their health centre.

“We want everyone to have an enjoyable Christmas, however accidents and medical emergencies do happen at all times of the year. That’s why it is extremely important to keep our services free for emergencies.”

To find out more about the winter health services offered by NHS Lanarkshire visit https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/ your-health/winter-health/