Where and when to go if you’re ill

Following the news there has been a rise in the number of people breaking bones on the ice in the past few days, NHS Tayside is encouraging residents to make sure they know what services are available over the Christmas period.

The health board is keen to make sure residents know what alternatives there are to A&E should they fall on the ice or get ill over the festive period.

A spokesperson said: “Members of the public have always recognised that A&E is for those with genuine emergencies, however, they are not always aware of what alternatives are out there, especially when their own GP is closed.

“Around one in four people who visit A&E could receive treatment more appropriately by accessing a different service, such as their own GP, community pharmacist or local minor illness and injuries unit. This can help you to a quicker recovery and ensures that all NHS Tayside services are run efficiently through the winter months.”

The health board has now issued their top tips for residents in the run-up to Christmas should they fall ill or injure themselves during the upcoming festivities.

NHS Tayside advise residents to access out-of-hours services by calling NHS 24 on 111 if their GP surgery is closed and they are too ill to wait until it re-opens.

They add local primary out-of-hours services work with NHS 24 to make sure urgent medical advice and care is always available.

Those who live in a rural area are being asked to turn to their nearest minor illness and injuries unit if they get a minor illness such as an earache or a cut, or a minor burn or sprain.

A number of pharmacies are set to remain open for much of the festive period, including some who are planning to open for an hour on Christmas Day.

The health board is urging people to turn to their pharmacies for free advice, support and guidance, and adds residents can be prepared by keeping their medicine cabinet well stocked.