Getting the right care at this time of year means making sure you go to the right place.
By doing this, you’ll get the appropriate care safely and quickly and help protect Accident & Emergency departments from being overwhelmed at what can be their busiest time of the year.
First, check NHS Inform (www.nhsinform.scot) for advice if you feel unwell. Self-care is the best option when you have a minor illness and a well-stocked medicine cabinet can make sure you get the right treatment when you need it most.
Your pharmacist can help with common problems such as coughs, colds, headaches, sore throats and upset stomachs and you don’t need an appointment.
If you have an illness you can’t get rid of, contact your GP surgery. If it’s outside normal hours, during the evening or weekend, contact NHS 24 on 111 who will be able to arrange an appointment for you if needed. Please do not attend a GP Out of Hours site without an appointment as you will not be seen.
For cuts, including those that need stitches, broken bones and burns or scalds, go to your local Minor Injuries Unit.
You don’t need an appointment and once they have assessed your injury, they will treat it or refer you to the appropriate service.
Our Virtual A&E is for urgent but non-life threatening injuries or illnesses – call NHS 24 on 111 to access it.
A&E departments are for the most serious incidents such as strokes, heart attacks or serious head injuries. If you think something is life-threatening, call 999.
Pharmacies located within Health Centres will be closed from 31st December to 4th January. Many other pharmacies will also be closed on these days. However, you can find out which pharmacies are open using our Pharmacy Opening Times Guide.
GP Practices will be closed from 6pm, Friday 30th December, reopening the morning of Wednesday 4th January 2023.
For more information see www.nhsggc.scot/rightcarerightplace