Efforts to ease winter pressure
More beds and a new short stay ward are among some of the extra measures being put in place to help ease winter pressures in NHS Forth Valley.
Managers say they have also put in place additonal support to provide more care at home and seven-day access to some services, including those dealing with lung and mental health conditions.
A short stay winter ward at FVRH is to open this month and additional winter contingency beds available if required.
It is also intended to have available throughout the week a specialist nurse COPD service to help prevent people with the condition having to be admitted to hospital.
Mental health nurses will be working with GPs in NHS Forth Valley’s Primary Care out-ofhours service, offering help and support at night and weekends.
Another initiative is the expansion of the service providing comprehensive assessments for elderly and frail which can often allow people to remain in their own home with follow up care and treatment rather than being admitted to hospital.
The day medicine department is also relocating from the first floor to the ground floor at FVRH, making it easier for people to access.
NHS FV medical director Andrew Murray said:“Winter is the busiest time of year for the NHS and it is vital to have plans in place to cope with the increase in demand. People can also avoid putting extra pressure on the emergency department by making use of other health services for minor illnesses and injuries.
“I would also encourage everyone who is entitled to a free flu jab to ensure they get vaccinated as this is the best way to protect yourself and your family this winter.”
Pharmacists can provide advice for common winter illnesses such as coughs and colds and are also now able provide free treatment for a range of conditions without a GP prescription. These include urine infections, conjunctivitis, skin conditions (such as eczema, dermatitis and reactions to insect bites) skin infections (such as cellulitis and impetigo) and thrush.
The Minor Injuries Centre at Stirling Health and Care Village will be open every day throughout the winter period from 9am – 9pm. It offers treatment to patients from across Forth Valley over the age of one for a wide range of minor injuries including suspected broken bones, sprains and strains, cuts and scratches, minor burns and infected wounds.
Opticians across Forth Valley can also provide advice and support for a range of eye conditions such as blurred vision and eye infections and can refer people directly to hospital, if required. GP and dental surgeries will be closed for a few days over Christmas and New Year however anyone who is concerned about symptoms and don’t feel they can wait until their surgery re-opens should call NHS 24 free on 111.
Health information and advice, including pharmacy opening times over the festive period, can be found at www. nhsforthvalley.com/ winter or contact NHS inform free on 0800 22 44 88 for health information and advice.