Be prepared for DIY disasters at Easter

NHS 24’s 111 service is expecting an increase in calls this Easter weekend because of people injuring themselves doing DIY.

As part of its Be Health-Wise this Easter campaign, NHS 24 is urging DIY and gardening enthusiasts to take care and be prepared to deal with any minor accidents before tackling those all-important home and garden improvements.

Dr Anna Lamont, associate medical director at NHS 24, said:“Easter is one of our busiest times so we’re asking people to take a few simple steps and re-stock their first aid box so any budding painters, builders and carpenters can help ensure they stay safe this spring.

“Treatments for minor injuries, such as plasters and antiseptic, are always useful to have at home and your local pharmacy can help with advice about how to treat any minor cuts, bumps, bruises and scrapes.

“Running out of a repeat prescription is another really common reason people call NHS 24’s 111 service. The Access to Medicines guide at www.nhsinform.scot can help you get enough to last until your GP surgery reopens.”

Key advice is: restock your medicine cabinet if needed, use your local pharmacy and know when your GP surgery will be open as surgeries may be closed for four days during the Easter weekend from today (Friday) to Monday, April 2.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.