NHS 24 appeals for help this weekend
As the weather continues to cause travel disruption across the country, NHS 24 is asking people to support staff providing vital services over this coming weekend.
Getting staff in to NHS 24’s various call centres has been a huge challenge with many staff walking for miles to get to work. The out of hours service greatly appreciates all the help from the public offering to drive nurses and call handlers who would otherwise be unable to reach work.
Stephen Steele put his 4×4 vehicle to excellent use on Wednesday by bringing colleagues from Dunbarton and Kirkintilloch to the call centre in Cardonald so they could provide care to people calling 111.
Stephen normally runs a bike shop called Corner Bikes in Shawlands, Glasgow, but decided to swap 2 wheels for 4 to help stranded staff: “It’s been so quiet in the shop because of the weather that I decided to try and do my bit to support our NHS. It was actually good fun and the people I helped were really grateful because they obviously want to get to work so they can help people. I was just glad to do my bit.”
Anyone who can assist NHS 24 staff getting to work is asked if they could contact us via email servicedeliveryadmin@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan, says people don’t need a 4×4 vehicle to help, they can also help to relieve pressure on services by taking a few simple steps to look after their own and their families health this weekend: “Taking a few simple steps such as making sure you have pain relief like paracetemol and ibuprofen at home means you can take care of minor illnesses at home, freeing up services to help those in most need. There is lots of health information and excellent self-help guides at www.nhsinform.scot although I would stress that people should call if they feel they can’t wait until their GP surgery reopens on Monday.”
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