NHSto update files
NHS Lanarkshire will be calling patients awaiting an appointment, or who have a future booked appointment, in order to update their personal details.
Patients who have not provided NHS Lanarkshire with a mobile phone will receive a call on their landline.
The call is to ensure NHS Lanarkshire has accurate and up-to-date information for each patient including a mobile phone number.
Joyce Galloway, referral management service manager for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “The safety of our patients is always our top priority. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic it is extremely important that we are able to contact patients as quickly as possible to inform them of any changes to their appointments.
“The quickest way for us to give these types of updates to patients is by sending a message to their mobile phone.”
Telephone calls from NHS Lanarkshire will appear as either 0800 678 3393 or 01698 759000.
STEPHEN BARK
Councillors in South Lanarkshire are backing a new initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic violence during the coronavirus lockdown.
Social enterprise Hey Girls, who work with South Lanarkshire Council to tackle period poverty, are getting behind the UK government’s #YouAreNotAlone campaign with financial support for women’s crisis shelters.
Charities and domestic abuse campaigners have reported an increase in calls and outreach from those living in abusive households while lockdown has lead to some people being exploited, manipulated and left feeling trapped.
As a result, Hey Girls have decided to donate £5 for every pair of Hey Girls Red Bikini Period Pants sold and South Lanarkshire’s councillors are backing the initiative.
Clydesdale West councillor Lynsey Hamilton said: “This is a great initiative from Hey Girls. It is a real worry, especially during the lockdown period, that there will be women and children who will not be able to reach out to the domestic abuse services that they need.
“The services that are already in place are often under real strain at the best of times, relying on funding that is only for a set period of time and often use fundraising to top up that money.
“Therefore, I am sure the money that Hey Girls raise from selling their sustainable Period Pants will be greatly welcomed.”
Cllr Fiona Dryburgh (East Kilbride South) is the Liberal Democrat group’s business manager and education spokeswoman.
She said: “The sad reality for many is that home is not a safe place - and isolation can bring fear and abuse.
“This fundraising campaign will raise essential funds to increase awareness and provide vital messages to help the public identify the warning signs of domestic violence.
“It will also highlight the services which are available to anyone requiring support.
“I’m thrilled to see the Hey Girls social enterprise join the campaign.
“During this crisis they have already joined South Lanarkshire Council and a multitude of volunteers to provide the essential next day delivery of sanitary products.
“I’m proud to be able to show my solidarity and help raise vital funds.
“I would encourage everyone to either purchase the amazing period pants or donate directly to Hey Girls.”
Cllr Mary Donnelly (Hamilton West and Earnock), chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s all-party women’s group added: “Lockdown has been an extremely challenging time, with moving restrictions exacerbating already abusive relationships.
“Domestic abuse is wrong in all circumstances and it is important that victim-survivors know that support is available should they require it.
“That is why I am delighted to support this empowering initiative to support survivors of domestic abuse.”
Celia Hodson, founder of Hey Girls said: “Domestic violence has no place in our society in 2020.
“Hey Girls is showing our solidarity with and for people who find themselves in these horrific situations by raising awareness of the government’s #YouAreNotAlone campaign within our community. To take it a step further, we know that women’s shelters need monetary donations now more than ever, so we will be donating £5 from orders of our new period pants to do exactly that.”