NHS Lanarkshire would like to thank the public for accessing the right care at the right place to help ensure those who need the primary care out of hours’ service for urgent care get the treatment they need.
Dr Mike Coates, NHS Lanarkshire out of hours’ clinical director is reminding the public of the alternative services available, while also issuing a reminder to ensure they have an adequate supply of prescription medication ahead of the upcoming festive holidays.
Mike said: “We understand that when someone has an illness or an ailment, they will want help as soon as possible. However, we would like to thank the public for only accessing the out of hours’ service when they are in urgent need of medical treatment and cannot wait until their GP practice opens.
“On an average weekend we can deal with over a thousand patient contacts. The whole system across NHS Lanarkshire is under pressure, but we want to ensure that patients have access to the right care at the right place at the right time. This helps ensure that those who need the service for urgent care are prioritised.
“The out of hours’ service should not be used for enquiries about repeat prescriptions, dental problems or minor ailments that a pharmacy can treat.”
There are a number of options that people can turn to for healthcare with a range of help and advice on NHS Lanarkshire’s website including Meet the Experts which offers a range of services that local healthcare professionals across Lanarkshire can provide.
The NHS inform website also provides advice on self-care, while your local pharmacy is the first port of call for minor ailments. This can also help free up appointments for those who need them with our out of hours’ service.
Mike added: “Unless a patient’s condition is life threatening or critical they can seek advice for the appropriate healthcare support by ringing NHS 24 on 111 day or night. They will be able to direct people to the right NHS service, including the out of hours’ service where appropriate.
“If NHS 24 are unable to address your concern, they will make arrangements for a member of the out of hours’ team to contact you.
“Once the patient, parent or carer has been contacted, it may be that the clinician is able to offer the appropriate advice or provide a prescription that can be mailed to a pharmacy for collection. Medication or prescriptions may also be made available for collection at the out of hours’ centre.
“A face-to-face review may be arranged if this is considered more appropriate or, if necessary, a home visit can be undertaken.
“Finally, looking ahead to the festive period, please plan ahead and ensure you order necessary medication in plenty of time and keep your medicine cabinet well-stocked.”
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care, added: “With our services under pressure this winter we are extremely grateful that the people of Lanarkshire are aware of all the different care options available to them and access the right care at the right place.
“This support from the public is very much appreciated and it makes such a big difference as we head into an extremely busy winter period.”
