Be prepared for Hogmanay

NHS 24 urges people to think ahead

Residents across Perth and Kinross are being urged to make sure they have enough medicine to get through the New Year celebrations.

NHS 24 want to make sure people across the region stay safe and healthy over the holiday by making sure they are prepared and know what to do if someone falls ill while pharmacies and doctors’ surgeries are closed.

The ‘telehealth’ and out-of-hours service want to encourage residents to make sure they have a well-stocked medicine cabinet before the festivities set in, and make sure they have picked up any repeat prescriptions they might need in plenty of time.

Dr Laura Ryan, medical director of NHS 24, said: “The turn of the year is a perfect opportunity for friends and family to get together, but it also means opening times of GP surgeries and pharmacies will be different.

“The best preparation for the Hogmanay is to make sure you have some over the counter medicines so if someone does fall ill you can deal with the symptoms quickly.

“The most common winter illnesses can be looked after at home with things like cold and flu remedies, rehydration salts in case of upset stomachs and pain relief with paracetemol and ibuprofen, in liquid form if you have youngsters at home.

“You can check symptoms using the self-help guides online [www. nhsinform.scot] and your pharmacist can advise with a range of minor ailments and questions about medicines. They can also give your repeat prescription, if you run out.

“Of course, if you feel worse you should seek a routine doctor’s appointment or contact NHS 24 if your surgery is closed and you cannot wait until it is open.”

Dr Ryan added: “Knowing when local services such as the community pharmacy and GP surgery are open can save you a lot of time and worry over the holidays, and it means out of hours services are there for when you really need them.

“Taking these simple steps means you can welcome in the New Year feeling healthy and well.”

A number of chemists are to open on New Year’s Day from 2pm to 3pm.

Chemists opening their doors include Davidson’s in Blairgowrie’s Wellmeadow, Strathearn Pharmacy on Crieff’s King Street, Kinross Pharmacy, Well Pharmacy on Perth’s Rannoch Road, and Davidson’s Pharmacy in Pitlochry. Perth’s Asda will also open its chemist from noon until 6pm on New Year’s Day. This comes as NHS Tayside report a 13 per cent increase on admissions to A&E at Perth Royal Infirmary from December 1 to December 20 compared to the same period in 2016.

The health board is now asking people to only use accident and emergency over the party season when it is an emergency, and are advising the public to contact NHS 24 instead in the first instance to make sure they get the right treatment.

Dr Michael Johnston, consultant in emergency medicine at NHS Tayside, said: “At peak times and especially over holiday periods, A&E can be very busy. We need to make sure we are able to see people quickly if they need emergency care.

“The public have always recognised A&E is for genuine emergencies, but hey 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 NHS Tayside services are run efficiently over the festive period and the winter months.”

NHS 24 can be contacted at any time on 111.