Dr Owl continues his flight across Scotland as part of the Be Health-Wise This Winter encouraging people to know when their GP surgery is open over New Year.
While GP practices re-open today (Monday 29 December) after the Christmas break, the wise Dr Owl is advising people to be aware that they will follow normal opening hours until closing again on Thursday 1st January, before re-opening again on Monday 5th January.
NHS 24’s Medical Director Professor George Crooks, explained: “While NHS Scotland staff have been very busy over the Christmas period, it is important that people remember there is another period of GP practices’ closures over New Year. It’s important that people know the opening times of their local pharmacy too and make use of the next couple of days to re-stock with simple home remedies to ensure they can look after themselves and their family if needed.
“Knowing you have remedies at home to help if a winter illness does strike can make all the difference and you can use the self-help guide available at www.nhs24.com for advice on treating coughs, colds and other winter illnesses at home.”
The national Be Health-Wise this Winter campaign is supported by NHSScotland in partnership with NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and all 14 Scottish Health Boards.
Many GPs will be working hard throughout the festive period supporting local Out of Hours services and the Be Health-Wise This Winter campaign has the backing of the British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland.
General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk/winter or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.