As the new year unfolds, NHS Lanarkshire is encouraging local residents to prioritise their health and wellbeing by understanding the healthcare options available to them.
Throughout the remainder of the winter season, the online Winter Health Hub will continue to highlight the wide range of NHS services where they can get help in lots of ways if they feel unwell.
The hub provides a centralised portal, outlining the healthcare options available to help people to seek the right care in the right place.
NHS Lanarkshire’s executive medical director Dr Chris Deighan said: “It’s important that we are still alert to the various health challenges winter can bring such as colds and flu.
“Being well informed about the healthcare services available is vital in ensuring you can receive the advice you need from the most appropriate healthcare professional in the shortest time.
“If you are unwell, you can access healthcare advice in many ways. It’s important to go for the right care in the right place whether that be seeking advice on NHS Inform, by contacting your pharmacist or seeking help out of hours via NHS 24.
“For those who do not have a serious condition, there are lots of healthcare options across Lanarkshire to choose from which can provide you with the most appropriate care in the quickest time.”
Anyone needing care for a serious condition should always call 999 or attend one of our emergency departments. Serious conditions include signs of heart attack, stroke, heavy bleeding and difficulty breathing.
People requiring urgent care for a condition that isn’t life-threatening should call NHS 24 on 111 first – day or night. NHS 24 will assess you by telephone and refer you to the right care, delivered by the right healthcare professional, as close to home as possible.
This could include self-care at home or advice on the most appropriate care such pharmacy, optician, dentist, GP or minor injuries unit.
Lauren Gibson, Lead Pharmacist for Community Pharmacy Services, emphasised the wealth of support available for minor conditions through community pharmacies, all without the need for a prescription.
“There’s lots of support for minor conditions that community pharmacies can provide without a prescription. We have the Pharmacy First Service, where your pharmacist can support with minor conditions such as coughs and colds, sore throats, upset stomachs, constipation and diarrhoea. Pharmacies can also provide access to emergency hormonal contraception.
“Pharmacies can also provide emergency supply access to regular prescribed medication that you may have run short of, or forgotten to order at your GP Practice.
“You can also access antibiotics, if appropriate, for urine infections, skin infections and eye infections.
“The pharmacist will assess you and, if appropriate, you will be given treatment. If the pharmacist does not think that medication is appropriate, they can provide self-care advice, or referral advice and signpost you to where you can receive the right care.”
The Winter Health Hub can be accessed via the NHS Lanarkshire website at the following link: www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/your-health/winter-health/
