Help ease the strain on NHS Lothian staff this winter
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With COVID-19 still among us, this winter it is more important than ever that we access the right care in the right place to ease the burden on our NHS.
Demand for NHS Lothian services is already at an all-time high and emergency departments are extremely busy. Get the help you need faster by accessing care in the right way.
“This is one of the busiest times for the NHS, but you can stay safe and well by knowing where to turn if you need advice or care,” said Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director for NHS Lothian.
“Across health and social care there are a range of services and experts available to help. They are often based locally or online to make sure accessing the care you need is convenient and timely.”
Here’s a guide to some of the services that are often available to help more quickly and closer to home:
This website includes advice and information on:
- How to help yourself manage common symptoms such as fever, earache and vomiting
- Home treatments and over-the counter remedies
- Symptom checkers to let you know where to go if you need further medical care.
Community pharmacy
If you have a minor illness, a local pharmacy should be your first stop for help with:
- Managing your repeat prescriptions
- Accessing free emergency contraception
- Advice and treatment for minor illnesses and common conditions.
General practice
General practices are open and available for routine and urgent care, but they are continuing to work differently as a result of COVID-19. There are more ways to access care including phone consultations and appointments with the wider practice team as well as your GP. Your local pharmacy might be able to help first with minor illnesses.
NHS 24 on 111
NHS 24 on 111 can help you get the right care if:
- You think you need A&E, but it’s not a critical emergency
- Your GP or dental practice is closed, and you cannot wait until they reopen.
A&E/999
Your local A&E is for emergencies, such as:
- Severe injury
- A suspected heart attack or stroke
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Severe bleeding
Stock up and stay safe
There are some things you can do to keep you, your loved ones and your community safe.
- Remember to stock up on medicines to treat common illnesses at home and check your repeat prescription to make sure you have enough to cover the festive break when pharmacies and GP Practices may be closed.
- Everyone can do their bit by continuing to follow the guidance on wearing masks, regular hand-washing and social distancing.
- Please get vaccinated, come forward for your booster and limit the number of people you socialise with.
- As people don’t always develop COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to continue using self-testing kits regularly at home and before socialising. Watch out for the signs - if you develop a high temperature, a new cough or a loss of taste or smell you should book a PCR test online via NHS Inform and self-isolate until you get your test result. Self-testing kits are not appropriate if you have any of these symptoms. Kits are available to order via NHS Inform online or many local pharmacies.
For more information about how to access the right care in the right place and stay safe this winter please visit your local NHS website.