Tag: NHS 24

Breathing Space bench launched with sight loss community

A new Breathing Space bench has been unveiled by national sight loss charity RNIB Scotland in partnership with NHS24 and Breathing Space this week, marking World Sight Day (Thursday 8 October) and World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10 October). 

The bench is part of a Scotland-wide network of more than 100 installed since 2018, and will provide a quiet, welcoming space where anyone, including the blind and partially sighted community RNIB Scotland supports, can pause, reflect, or start a conversation about how they’re feeling. 

RNIB research shows people with sight loss are more than twice as likely to experience unhappiness or depression than the UK average. Isolation is a major factor: many people who lose their vision find it harder to get out, see friends, or take part in the activities that once supported their wellbeing — and that loss of connection can have a profound effect on mental health. 

RNIB Scotland Director James Adams says: “Nobody should have to navigate the emotional side of sight loss alone.

“Whether that’s through our own counselling and wellbeing services, or simply a conversation on a bench like this one, we want people to know that support exists and that reaching out is a sign of strength. We’re grateful to Breathing Space and NHS24 for working with us to bring it here, right at the heart of our community hub.” 

The bench was unveiled by local councillor, James Dalgleish and representatives for Breathing Space, RNIB Scotland and the blind and partially sighted community. It is based at Hillside Crescent Gardens, outside RNIB Scotland’s community hub which is home to Café VI, a Product and Advice store, and a range of social and peer-support groups for the blind and partially sighted community. 

The bench plaque also features braille, and a scannable QR code so visitors can access mental health support online.  

The bench has been jointly funded by RNIB Scotland and Breathing Space, with costs shared equally between the two organisations. 

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator for NHS 24’s Breathing Space service said: “Everyone should be able to access information and support in a way that works for them. That’s why we’re proud to support RNIB Scotland in unveiling this accessible community bench on World Sight Day.

“As a service that provides emotional support to people experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress or loneliness, Breathing Space understands the importance of removing barriers and helping people find the right support when they need it.

We hope this bench encourages people to take a moment, connect with their community and know that support is available if they’re struggling.” 

NHS 24: Dental Emergencies

Don’t suffer in silence with dental pain. 🦷

Do you know what to do in a dental emergency? NHS inform has clear, reliable advice on exactly when and where to seek help when you need it most.

Be prepared and find out more here: https://nhs24.info/dental-emergencies

Eclipse: Protect Your Eyesight!

☀️🌕Planning to watch the partial solar eclipse? Protect your eyesight!

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across Scotland on the evening of Wednesday 12 August. While it may be tempting to take a good look at this rare natural phenomenon, viewing the Sun without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage.

Remember:

✅ Only use certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers

✅ Consider a safe indirect viewing method, such as a pinhole projector

❌ Never look directly at the Sun

❌ Ordinary sunglasses won’t protect your eyes

❌ Don’t use binoculars, telescopes or cameras without specialist solar filters

If you notice blurred vision, blind spots or any changes to your sight, your local optometrist should usually be your first point of contact.

Optometrists can assess a range of eye conditions and help ensure you get the right care in the right place.

NHS Lothian prepares for Festival crowds

Teams across NHS Lothian are preparing for the annual influx of visitors during Edinburgh’s world-famous Festivals.

The city’s population doubles to around a million throughout August as people from across the world enjoy the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and more.

NHS Lothian has a number of arrangements in place to make sure visitors can access healthcare if they need it, while continuing to provide routine and planned care for local residents.

Visitors are being urged to take the same route as locals and call 111 if they have an urgent injury or illness.

Experienced NHS 24 advisors will direct them to the most appropriate service to make sure they get the right care in the right place. NHS 24 also has an interpretation service for those whose first language is not English.

Depending on a patient’s circumstances, they may be given an appointment for a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), be asked to attend a local pharmacy, or be given an appointment at a GP Practice which provides care and treatment for visitors who are not registered with a GP in the city.

Michelle Carr, Chief Officer of Acute Services, NHS Lothian, said: “We want everyone visiting Edinburgh during the Festivals to enjoy their time here, but if they become unwell or suffer an urgent injury, the best thing to do is call NHS 24 on 111. They should not turn up at a hospital.

“It’s important to stress that there is no walk-in service for visitors, but by calling 111 they will be able to access necessary healthcare 24/7.

“They will also be seen sooner than walking into a busy hospital A&E department that will prioritise patients and work in order of clinical urgency.

“The message is the same for visitors and local residents alike. If you need urgent healthcare, call 111. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.”

NHS 24: Top Tips to Beat the Bites!

Mauled by midgies, tormented by ticks, chomped by clegs?🦟🐜🐝

Scotland’s summer wildlife is out in full force and they’re hungry!

Whether you’re hiking the Highlands or just enjoying a garden BBQ, insect bites can be more than just annoying. Some can cause allergic reactions or even carry infections like Lyme disease.

🧴 Top tips to stay bite-free:

✔️ Use insect repellent

✔️ Wear long sleeves and trousers in grassy or wooded areas

✔️ Keep food covered

✔️ Avoid strong perfumes that attract bugs

✔️ If you’re camping, avoid pitching your tent near water like rivers or lochs

If you’ve been bitten and it’s swollen, painful or not healing, get it checked. Your pharmacist can provide helpful advice or visit our bites and stings page on #NHSinform.

#SummerHealth

#InsectBites

#NHS24

#TickAwareness

#Midges

#Clegs

#OutdoorSafety

NHS 24: Be Aware of Spiking

🍻 Heading out this weekend? Whether you’re at a festival, beer garden, night out or house party, be aware of the signs of spiking.

Spiking is when someone gives another person alcohol or drugs without their knowledge or consent. It can happen anywhere and to anyone.

Signs can come on suddenly and may include dizziness, confusion, unusual drowsiness, memory loss, difficulty speaking or moving, or being sick.

If you think you or someone else has been spiked:

📞 Call NHS 24 on 111 for advice

🚨 Call 999 if it’s a life-threatening emergency

👮 Report suspected spiking to Police Scotland on 101

Search ‘Safer Scot spiking’ for more advice from the experts.

NHS 24: Dodgy Tummy?

Feeling a bit “bleurgh” 🤢 ? Stomach bugs can be very unpleasant but usually clear up by themselves within a couple of days.

If you are unwell with diarrhoea or vomiting you should:

✔️ stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

✔️ avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time.

✔️ wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water particularly after using the toilet and before preparing or handling food.

✔️ drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

✔️ take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains.

✔️ get plenty of rest.

✔️ use special rehydration drinks, available from community pharmacies if you have signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or dark urine.

✔️ if you feel like eating try plain foods such as soup, rice, pasta and bread

#NHSinform has more information on what you should do if you have an upset tummy. Click the link in the comments to find out more

NHS 24: Bank Holiday Advice

NHS 24
Pic Peter Devlin

NHS 24 is here for you if you need help over the #bankholidayweekend. 💙

There’s lots of helpful links in our comments to help you get the right care in the right place. including:

📞 When to call 111

⚡ symptom checkers – online health advice on common illnesses

🤍 Mental health support

🏥#RightCareRightPlace

🗃️ Scotland’s Service Directory – Details of health and wellbeing services in Scotland.

💊 Pharmacy First Scotland and accessing medicines

🌼 Spring health tips

NHS 24: Dementia Action Week

18 – 24 MAY

Dementia Action Week (18–24 May) is a time to focus on understanding dementia and supporting the people affected by it across Scotland.

Around 90,000 people in Scotland are currently living with dementia, and that number is expected to grow in the years ahead. However, many people continue to live well with the right information, support and environment around them.

This week is about taking practical action. Small, everyday changes can make a positive difference – from learning more about dementia, to showing patience and understanding, and helping to create communities where people feel supported and included.

Across Scotland, organisations are working together to strengthen support. NHS 24 works in partnership with Dementia Friendly Communities and local groups, such as the Dementia Heroes, offering welcoming, accessible spaces for people living with dementia and their carers to connect and access support.

If you’d like to learn more about dementia, support someone, or find practical advice on living well, visit NHS inform for trusted information on:

– types of dementia

– daily living

– caring for someone

– and ways to live well with the condition

#DementiaActionWeek

#DementiaAwareness

#SupportDementia

NHS 24: Stroke – Act FAST

🚨 Identifying a Stroke Using the FAST Method 🚨

Strokes are serious and time-sensitive medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Knowing how to quickly recognise the signs can be crucial in saving a life.

That’s where the FAST method comes in – an easy-to-remember acronym to help you spot the signs of a stroke.

Strokes can strike anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Remember, every minute counts when it comes to strokes.

Stay informed, share this knowledge and help spread awareness