Be Health -Wise this Winter
Strath residents are being reminded to check their GP surgery opening times over the festive period.
The NHS Scotland Be HealthWise This Winter campaign advises people to be aware that many GP surgeries and pharmacies will be closed for four days at Christmas from Saturday, December 23 to Tuesday 26, and again for four days at New Year from Saturday, December 30 to Tuesday, January 2.
Dr Laura Ryan, Medical Director of NHS 24, said: “Over the holidays the opening times of GP surgeries and pharmacies will be different so it’s important people know what local services are available, just in case they fall ill.
“If you are unlucky enough to get a cough, cold or flu, buying over the counter medicine, staying at home and keeping warm will make you feel much better.
“Of course, if your symptoms worsen, you should seek a routine doctor’s appointment or contact NHS 24.”
Many GPs will be working hard throughout the festive period supporting local out-of-hours services. Dr Ryan said a few simple steps can help people stay well.
She added: “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 like paracetamol or ibuprofen, in liquid form if you have youngsters at home.
“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.”
General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.
The four key steps that Be Health-Wise this Winter is recommending everyone take in preparation for their health this winter are:
Be prepared for common illnesses with at-home remedies e.g. pain relief and rehydration salts. Many children and adults pick up common winter ailments such as a colds, flu-like illness or upset tummies. These can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine. Parents are reminded to have remedies that are suitable for children.
Make sure you check any repeat prescription. If you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you have enough medicine to last over the Christmas holiday period but don’t over order. Remember to pick it up in plenty of time too.
Know when your GP surgery and local pharmacy will be open. Your community pharmacist is a good local resource and they can help if you have run out of any prescribed medication.
They can also help with a range of minor illnesses such as impetigo and certain urinary tract infections. Your pharmacist can also advise on what’s best to have in your medicine cupboard for minor ailments or illnesses.
In the Strath, Right Medicines Pharmacy on Crieff High Street will be open on Monday, December 25 from 2pm until 3pm. On Boxing Day, Boots in Crieff will be open from 2pm to 4pm.
On New Year’s Day, Strathearn Pharmacy on Crieff’s King Street, will be open from 2pm to 3pm, and on January 2 Davidson’s, also in Crieff, will be from 2pm to 4pm.