As well as presents wrapped up under the Christmas tree and the turkey in the oven everyone should also have a copy of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s (NHSGGC) winter guide or available on online at www.nhsggc.org.uk/kwttt
The Festive Guide to Your Health Services booklet is distributed across GP surgeries, health centres, clinics, pharmacies, dentists and opticians.
Find out the opening hours of pharmacies throughout the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and advice on how to access a GP when surgeries are closed.
The guide is also available as a booklet in GP surgeries, health centres, clinics, pharmacies, dentists and opticians and provides vital information should you require healthcare over the festive holiday.
This year we have also launched a campaign to highlight the benefits of visiting one of our Minor Injuries Units instead of an emergency department.
The guide provides information on our three Minor Injury Units (MIUs) which operate at the New Victoria Hospital, New Stobhill Hospital, and the Vale of Leven Hospital between 9am-9pm throughout the holidays. These are suitable for a range of minor physical injuries for adults and children aged five and over including cuts and grazes, insect bites, minor burns, sprains and strains, limb injuries like a broken ankle, broken wrist etc and foreign bodies in ears or up noses.
Linda de Caestecker, NHSGGC’s Director of Public Health, said: “Many common ailments, such as colds and flu or stomach upsets, can be treated without going to GPs or local hospitals – pharmacists often provide the appropriate help.
“By having the information in the Festive Guide to hand either online or as a booklet, you will know what services are available during the holidays and how these can be accessed appropriately.
“It outlines where people can access help if someone becomes unwell and can’t wait for the GP surgery to re-open following the Christmas and New Year holidays.
“As always, it’s essential people make sure they have sufficient supplies of any medication they may need. Being prepared can be the key factor in preventing having to go into hospital.
“Usually in winter we see an increase in the number of people contracting Norovirus and by following a few simple steps we can help limit the spread of the virus:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food.
- Do not share towels and flannels.
- Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with the virus. It’s best to use a bleach-based household cleaner. Always follow the instructions on the cleaning product.
- Wash any clothing or bedding that has become soiled separately and on a hot wash to ensure that the virus is killed.
- Flush away any infected faeces or vomit in the toilet and keep the surrounding toilet clean
The free guide is distributed across GP surgeries, health centres, clinics, pharmacies, dentists and opticians. The information is also available online and can be accessed by clicking onto www.nhsggc.org.uk/kwttt