The Lanarkshire public are reminded to access the right care at the right place and ensure they have an adequate supply of prescription medication ahead of the upcoming public holidays.
GP practices are closed on Monday 1 May as well as on the following Monday (8 May) to mark the coronation of King Charles III.
Pamela Buddy, out of hours’ service manager, said: “When your GP surgery is closed and you are too ill to wait, you can access NHS Lanarkshire out of hours’ service by calling NHS 24 on 111.
“Unfortunately, during the recent Easter weekend, we received a significant number of routine medication requests as well as calls for minor and non-urgent problems. Many of these patients could have turned to a more appropriate place for help.
“We understand that when someone has an illness or minor ailment they want help as soon as possible. However, we would like to remind the public that the out of hours’ service is for urgent care only.
“With GP practices being closed the first two Mondays in May, please plan ahead and ensure you order necessary medication in plenty of time and keep your medicine cabinet well-stocked.
“Please help us help you get the right care at the right time to ensure that those who need to use the service for urgent care are prioritised.”
People can initially seek information and advice for their ailment either on the NHS Inform website or NHS Lanarkshire’s website where there is a raft of helpful information and self-help advice.
Pamela said: “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.
“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.”
