By Gillian Morrison
NHS 24 is reminding the public of some simple steps they can take to ensure they remain fit and healthy throughout the Easter holidays and beyond.
Abbie and Phoebe, both aged 9, assisted with the launch of NHS 24’s annual spring health campaign ‘Healthy Know How’ at Caulders Garden Centre in Mugdock Country Park.
The campaign highlights the need to be prepared for common illnesses and ailments at home, while also reminding the public to check they have enough prescription medication to last over the Easter weekend.
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Ron Cook explains why the Easter holidays increase the number of calls to NHS 24’s 111-service and why it is important that families and individuals prepare for the spring season,
‘Nobody likes being unwell, but it is particularly unwelcome when the Easter holidays are coming up and you might be busy getting prepared for a short getaway or fun days out with the family.
“The Easter weekend is a busy time for 111 as many health services such as GPs, pharmacies, and dentists may be closed or have amended opening hours because of the public holidays.’
The Healthy Know How campaign page on NHS inform has lots of tips on how to prepare and safely manage minor illnesses and injuries at home.
NHS 24 is also encouraging the public to be familiar with digital tools such as symptoms checkers. These online resources are available for free on both NHS inform and NHS 24 Online app and cover a range of common illnesses and ailments including earache, rashes and vomiting.
They give information on how to safely self-manage medical conditions or when and where to look for further medical help if needed.
Dr Cook added: “I recommend that everyone takes 5 minutes to review NHS 24’s spring health advice. By following our Healthy Know How tips, you will be prepared to quickly deal with any minor illness or mishap should it occur, which will free up more time for you and your loved ones to enjoy your Easter holidays.’
Find out more about NHS 24’s spring Healthy Know How campaign at nh24.info/spring
We are Scotland’s provider of digital and telephone-based health and care services. Our services include:
- 111 – providing urgent care triage for anyone who thinks they need A&E, but it is not life or limb threatening, support for those in mental health distress and advice when their GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed.
- NHSinform.scot – Scotland’s online health information service that offers quality assured health and care information including – Symptom checker, Scotland’s Service Directory and Mental health advice and resources.
- Breathing Space a free and confidential phone and web chat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety.
- Care Information Scotland (CIS) a phone, webchat and website service providing information about care services for people living in Scotland.
- Quit Your Way Scotland an advice and support service for anyone trying to stop smoking in Scotland.
- Living Life a phone service that offers support to people in Scotland who are experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression or symptoms of anxiety through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
NHS 24 Online app
Our app ‘NHS 24 Online’ provides people in Scotland an additional channel to find out more about their symptoms, how to safely self-manage illnesses and conditions, and when and where to see further medical advice if required. NHS 24 Online is free and can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices.
Social media
For more details on our services, including current campaigns and recruitment, have a look at our social media: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn
Recruitment
For all applicants hoping to join the organisation, our website provides key information including:
- links to current vacancies
- videos of staff discussing their roles
- details of the recruitment process
- benefits of working for NHS 24 and top tips for a successful application.
Accessibility
Work is continually ongoing to ensure our services are accessible.
You can access 111 in diverse ways:
- Language Line – If English is not your first or preferred language, you can use the free interpretation service Language Line.
- British Sign Language (BSL) – If you use BSL, you can use the free BSL interpreting video relay service Contact Scotland BSL.
- Relay UK. – If you use a textphone you can contact NHS 24 on 18001 111. Or you can contact NHS 24 with the Relay UK app.
NHS inform provides health information online in 24 different languages, British Sign Language (BSL), Audio, Easy Read, and Large Print. For more information on this see: nhsinform.scot/translations/