Every household in Scotland to receive Covid information leaflet detailing NHS support

A new NHS Scotland information booklet will be delivered to every household across Scotland this week.

The book provides guidance on how the population can access help and advice online, by phone and in their community, alongside information on how to access urgent care services.

People are being encouraged to ensure they access the right health services to get the care they need and support NHS Scotland as it copes with winter pressures and the pandemic.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We are making it easier for people to get the right care in the right place.

"This leaflet outlines how people can use the NHS inform website to access advice on common symptoms, guidance for self-help and where to go if further medical care is needed.

"NHS 24 on 111 is there for those who need urgent medical attention but can’t wait for their GP practice or dentist to reopen, and you can access help with minor health concerns from your pharmacy via NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.

“While the NHS is always there, we can all support our NHS to cope with the pandemic and the usual pressures that come over winter by ensuring we know where to turn for the right care.

“I would encourage everyone to read these leaflets and look at guidance on the Scottish Government website and on NHS Inform. Help us to keep you and our NHS safe by making the right call at the right time to access the right care in the right place for you and your family.”

The leaflets are to be delivered this week. Picture: Ken Jack/Getty Images

The public are asked to:

call 111 day or night when they think they need A&E but it is not life-threatening;

call 111 and select the Mental Health Hub to access mental health advice and guidance or call the Breathing Space telephone helpline on 0800 83 85 87;

call 111 or use NHS inform (scot) out of hours when they are too ill to wait for their GP practice to open, or for worsening symptoms of COVID-19;

use NHS inform to access the location of their local minor injuries unit for non-life threatening but painful injuries such as a deep cut, a broken or sprained ankle or a painful burn injury;

always go directly to A&E for life-threatening accidents and emergencies;

use NHS inform to access advice on common symptoms, guidance for self-help and where to go if further medical care is needed;

for minor illnesses, make community pharmacy their first stop for advice and treatment through NHS Pharmacy First Scotland;

contact their local GP practice during the day for advice

Anyone with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should not attend A&E and must adhere to public health advice. They should contact the NHS to arrange to be tested - either online at NHSInform.scot, or by calling 0800 028 2816.

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