Swing into spring! We are pleased to launch our spring health campaign ‘Healthy Know How.’
Featuring the character Billy, his son, cat and neighbour Mollie, Healthy Know How provides advice to ensure you are prepared for any illnesses or mishaps over the Easter holidays.
Tips include:
Check your repeat prescription, order only what you need, in plenty of time
Keep some medicines to treat common illnesses at home
If you become unwell, NHS inform has useful symptom checkers to help you decide what to do next
Be aware that your GP practice and local pharmacy may have amended opening hours over the Easter weekend
Spotlight on the unseen staff of the NHS – NHS 24 Call Handler and Operator Day 2023
To highlight the hard work and dedication of Call Handlers and Operators, NHS 24 has held its third annual event to recognise the unique role our staff have in supporting patients seeking urgent care.
Call Handler and Operator Day was created by NHS 24 to recognise the role’s contribution to Scotland’s health care system. An essential part of the 111 service, NHS 24’s Call Handlers and Operators provide valuable information for those needing help when their GP or dental practice is closed.
NHS 24 currently employs over 740 Call Handlers and Operators in contact centres all over Scotland, with more staff due to be recruited in the coming months. Staff are supported by a range of clinical colleagues who understand first-hand how crucial the job is in supporting those who need medical advice.
Pauline Howie, Director for Service Delivery for NHS 24 said: “NHS 24’s Call Handlers and Operators are a highly trained and dedicated team that are the backbone of our organisation. I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for everyone who performs this specialised function.
“The 111 service has been particularly busy over the last few months, but our colleagues have risen to this challenge and have worked extremely hard to meet the needs of our patients.”
Almost 100,000 calls were made to NHS 24’s 111 service over the Christmas and New Year period. These are the highest figures in almost a decade.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Call Handlers play a vital role for many who seek help and advice about their health – helping to ensure people get the right care.
“They have worked through a sustained period which has been challenging and difficult at times. Their compassion, dedication and skills have helped many a person in their hour of need.”
Michelle is a call handler based in NHS 24’s South Queensferry contact centre. She encourages anyone who is interested in the role to find out more: “I really like my job at NHS 24. I enjoy speaking to people, so working in the call centre environment suits me. The contact centre always has a good atmosphere and there’s lots of support from colleagues.
“The best part about being is call handler is helping people and knowing you are making a difference. It’s great to feel that you’ve helped someone when you come off a call.”
Call Handler and Operator Day takes place on Friday 27 January 2023.
NHS 24 has recently launched a recruitment microsite site which provides key information for all applicants hoping to join the organisation. Visit https://careers.nhs24.scot/ to find out more.
Funding of at least £8 million for additional care home beds and efforts to boost NHS 24 capacity are among the measures outlined by Health Secretary Humza Yousaf to help the NHS and social care deal with ongoing extreme winter pressure.
Health and Social Care Partnerships will share £8 million to procure around 300 additional care home beds to help alleviate pressures caused by delayed discharge. The funding will allow boards to pay 25% over and above the National Care Home rate for beds. This is in addition to around 600 interim care beds already in operation across the country.
NHS 24 is taking forward plans to recruit around 200 new starts before the end of March. In the run up to Christmas NHS 24 had already recruited over 40 whole time equivalent call operators, call handlers and clinical supervisors.
Guidance has been issued to all Boards making it clear they can take necessary steps to protect critical and life-saving care.
Mr Yousaf said: “This is the most challenging winter the NHS in Scotland has ever faced and the immediate pressure will continue for the coming weeks. My thanks to all health and social care staff for their incredible efforts during these exceptionally challenging times.
“We are ensuring all possible actions are being taken to support services, and the additional measures I have outlined today will help relieve some of the extreme pressure Health Boards are facing. We know one of the most significant issues our NHS is facing is delayed discharge, that is why I have announced further support to buy additional capacity in the care sector.
“NHS 24 has a vital role in referring people to appropriate urgent care services outside of hospitals and plans to increase staff numbers over the course of winter, will help the service deal with increases in demand.
“Emergency care will always be there for those who need it, but for many people, the best advice and support might be available on the NHS Inform website or the NHS 24 App, or by calling NHS 24, so I would encourage people to make use of these services as many are already doing.”
Responding to the Scottish Government NHS briefing on Monday, Dr Iain Kennedy, Chair of BMA Scotland said: “”Scotland’s NHS is not just being pushed to the limit, in many places it is well past that.
“Bed occupancy of 95% across our hospitals is just not sustainable in terms of providing the safe and effective care that patients need on a daily basis either in A&E or across all wards. And we know demand is far exceeding capacity at GP surgeries too and has been for some time.
“In that context, the very fact that the First Minister and Health Secretary provided today’s briefing should emphasise the seriousness and urgency of the situation. Our members provided us with first hand testimony from all across the health service just before Christmas, and the picture that painted was really harrowing. Services and staff are on their knees.
“In terms of the short term actions that the Government indicated today, we have long emphasised the need to focus on ensuring people who are able to leave hospital, can do so – freeing up desperately needed capacity and therefore ensuring those who need to can be admitted from A&E more quickly and safely. So the focus on this is welcome, but we will need to see the details and extent of the proposals to make any judgement on the immediate impact it may have. Extra interim care beds – while something which could help as part of the overall plan – will also deliver nothing unless there are people there to staff them, which we know is a huge issue in social care.
“More fundamentally, many doctors remain to be convinced that the Scottish Government’s practical response matches up to the huge scale of the problems the NHS is facing. In particular, staffing shortages will only get worse as more staff burn out and dread going to work, unless there is a more comprehensive and urgent package of investment in staffing to support and retain them in our NHS for good.
“Longer term, these pressures are the culmination of the warnings the BMA and many others have delivered for some time, that Scotland’s NHS isn’t sustainable within the resources – both staffing and financial – we are willing to provide it with.
“We have to get serious about this and have a proper long term discussion about the future of our health service rather than just struggle to survive from crisis to crisis as the NHS and its staff endure the kind of perpetual pressures which in the past were reserved for the worst of winter.
“We absolutely agree with the assessment of the First Minister that there are no easy solutions, so the sooner we truly get to grips with the big picture issues, the sooner we can get away from having to implement short term measures in the desperate hope of bolstering collapsing services and begin actually start talking about an NHS fit for the future. That’s why a national conversation on the NHS in Scotland is required without delay.”
As Christmas and Hogmanay both fall on the weekend this year, most health care providers will have different opening hours from usual.
Ahead of the busy festive holiday, NHS 24 is reminding people across Scotland to be aware of changes to opening hours for their local GP practice and pharmacies.
Dr Laura Ryan, NHS 24’s Medical Director says, “We are anticipating very high call volumes over the festive break and a continued high demand for the 111 service. NHS 24 staff continue to work tirelessly, with a commitment to deliver safe and effective services 24/7 and answer every call as quickly as possible.
“It’s vital that everyone is aware of what help and advice there is out there over the Christmas and new year public holidays.
“For any health care advice or information that is urgent, but not life-threatening, go online and use nhsinform.scot. NHS inform has lots of health guidance, whether that be self-care advice, information on the appropriate healthcare providers that are close to home. It also explains when and why to call the 111 service.
“Scotland’s Service Directory is a brilliant resource and can be accessed on NHS inform, but very easily on NHS 24’s new app NHS 24 Online. The website and app have the handy ‘Find my Nearest’ function that allows the user to locate health and care services within their local area by using their post code or location. They will be able to see how far away each service is, if it is open or closed, and phone numbers for the service. The app can be downloaded quickly, and could make seeking advice even more convenient.”
Dr Ryan continues: “We are grateful for the public’s patience and understanding if they have to wait to access the 111 service during this period of high demand. By encouraging the public to have ‘Healthy Know How,’ it is hoped more people in Scotland will have a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.”
“If you do fall ill over the festive period, it’s essential you know where to get the right care, in the right place. Anyone in a situation considered life-threatening or an emergency, should still always call 999 or go straight to the Emergency Department.”
Dr Ryan’s advice is part of a NHS Scotland national health campaign ‘Healthy Know How.’ The campaign provides advice on how to stay well and enjoy the festivities, avoiding the need to get medical help over the holidays. Tips include:
Know how to stay on top of prescriptions. Order only what is needed and in plenty of time before the festive holidays.
Know how to be prepared for common illnesses. Ensure you have some remedies in the house.
Know how to check symptoms if you do become unwell. NHS inform’s symptom checkers can give you all the health advice you need online.
Know how to get the right care, in the right place. Further medical advice can be found during the week by contacting your GP, pharmacist, dentist or optometrist. For out of hours or during holiday closures call NHS 24 on 111.
Winter is here and that means Scotland’s 111 service sees an increase in calls relating to muscle aches, as well as joint and bone injuries.
As part of the national winter ‘healthy know how’ campaign, NHS 24 is advising people how to safely treat common musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as back pain, wrist ache and twisted ankles so they can still enjoy the holidays with family and friends.
Dr Ronald Cook, NHS 24’s Associate Medical Director says: ‘During winter, we always see an increase in calls relating to muscle, joint and bone injuries – often because of slips, trips and falls in bad weather.
“People can suffer a wide range of symptoms from minor discomfort right through to severe pain but a lot of the time these types of injuries will naturally heal and with safe treatment at home, don’t need a trip to the hospital.
‘We have recently updated NHS inform’s MSK pages with the most up to date advice on how to look after this type of injury, and also when and where to seek further help if the issue needs urgent attention or symptoms are not improving. It’s a fantastic resource and I would recommend anyone with an MSK issue to visit NHS inform first to help them get the right care, in the right place.’
Dr Cook’s advice compliments the national winter health campaign ‘Healthy Know How.’ The ‘Healthy Know How’ campaign provides advice on how to stay well and enjoy the festivities, avoiding the need to get medical help over the holidays.
Tips include:
Know how to stay on top of prescriptions. Order only what is needed and in plenty of time before the festive holidays.
Know how to be prepared for common illnesses. Ensure the medicine cupboard is well stocked.
Know how to check symptoms if you do become unwell. NHS inform’s symptom checkers can give you all the health advice you need online.
Know how to get the right care, in the right place. Further medical advice can be found during the week by contacting your GP, pharmacist, dentist or optometrist. For out of hours or during holiday closures call NHS 24 on 111.
Members of the public are being asked not to visit NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, flu or Norovirus.
Those who plan to visit loved ones in hospital should only do so if they are not displaying any symptoms and all visitors should wear a mask, if eligible, during their time on site.
Symptoms of Norovirus include:
Suddenly feeling sick
Projectile vomiting
Watery diarrhoea
Slight fever
Headaches
Painful stomach cramps and aching limbs
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
Continuous cough
High temperature, fever or chills
Loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
Shortness of breath
Unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
Muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
Not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
Headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual
Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
Diarrhoea
Feeling sick or being sick
Symptoms of flu include:
A sudden fever
A dry, chesty cough
A headache
Tiredness and weakness
Chills
Aching muscles
Limb or joint pain
Diarrhoea or abdominal (tummy) pain
Nausea and vomiting
A sore throat
A runny or blocked nose
Sneezing
Loss of appetite
Difficulty sleeping
Taking precautions against viral infections have become part of our everyday life in recent years and we can all continue to help each other by following guidance around slowing the spread of the viruses and practicing good hygiene.
You can protect yourself and others by:
Staying at home if unwell, have a fever or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or Norovirus
Wearing a face covering in healthcare settings and not visiting loved ones if unwell
Wearing a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
Cleaning hands and surfaces regularly
Opening windows when meeting indoors
Socialising outdoors when possible
Morag Gardner, Deputy Nurse Director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Acute Division said: “During the winter months viral infections, such as COVID-19, flu and Norovirus, can further add to the pressures hard-working staff are facing across our sites.
“Our dedicated members of staff are working around the clock to continue to provide the highest standard of patient-centred care possible. To help protect yourself, your loved ones and our services, we are asking members of the public not to visit our hospital sites if they are displaying symptoms of any of these viruses. We are also asking anyone who does attend the site to follow infection control guidance, such as washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask during your time at the hospital.”
NHSGGC is urging people to only attend Emergency Department (A&E) across its sites if their condition is very urgent or life-threatening.
Any patient unsure of who to turn to has a range of options available to them:
People across the Lothians are being encouraged to check they have basic home remedies in ahead of the Festive and New Year holidays to avoid having to find a pharmacy on a bank holiday.
Dr John McAnaw, a pharmacist and NHS 24’s Associate Clinical Director says most seasonal illnesses can be looked after at home with self-care and things like paracetamol: ‘Christmas is a fun but hectic time for most people. It’s easy to get swept up in the festive atmosphere and forget that health should be on your priority list.
‘Making sure you have home remedies for common ailments will save you time and help you focus on the celebrations. NHS 24’s 111 service is there to help if you need urgent health care support, but we know that roughly 30% of people who call 111 need self-help advice on common illnesses and conditions that can normally be managed at home.
‘Avoiding the need to call 111 means the service can help those who need urgent help more quickly, and also save you the bother of trying to find a local pharmacy.
Dr McAnaw continues: ‘I would recommend you have pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen at home. For little ones get age-appropriate pain remedies which you can also get in liquid form. In the case of fevers, a thermometer is also a good idea as it means you can monitor temperatures accurately.
‘To cover accidents, I’d recommend reviewing your first-aid kit and make sure it is stocked with things like plasters, antiseptic, and bandages. For common conditions such as rashes, tummy upsets and earaches, NHS inform has lots of information on how to treat these at home and when to seek medical help.
Dr McAnaw’s advice is part of an NHSScotland national health campaign ‘Healthy Know How.’ The campaign provides advice on how to stay well and enjoy the festivities, avoiding the need to get medical help over the holidays. Tips include:
Know how to stay on top of prescriptions. Order only what is needed and in plenty of time before the festive holidays.
Know how to be prepared for common illnesses. Ensure you have some remedies in the house.
Know how to check symptoms if you do become unwell. NHS inform’s symptom checkers can give you all the health advice you need online.
Know how to get the right care, in the right place. Further medical advice can be found during the week by contacting your GP, pharmacist, dentist or optometrist. For out of hours or during holiday closures call NHS 24 on 111.
You may have seen in the news and online stories about Group A Strep.The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that scarlet fever cases continue to remain higher than we would typically see at this time of year.
Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that mostly affects young children. It’s easily treated with antibiotics.
The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck).
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that mainly affects children. It causes a distinctive pink-red rash.
The illness is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, also known as Group A Streptococcus, which are found on the skin and in the throat.
Generally, scarlet fever is much less common than it used to be but in recent years there have been a number of significant outbreaks.
This year we have seen higher than usual numbers of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections in Scotland and persistently high numbers of cases of scarlet fever among children.
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever so that early treatment with antibiotics can be given.
Scarlet fever symptoms
Scarlet fever usually follows a sore throat or a skin infection, like impetigo, caused by particular strains of Streptococcus bacteria.
The symptoms of scarlet fever usually develop 2 to 5 days after infection. However, the incubation period (the period between exposure to the infection and symptoms appearing) can be as short as one day or as long as 7 days.
Non-urgent advice:Speak to your GP if:
You or your child has symptoms of scarlet fever like:
a pinkish, rough textured rash
a sore throat
a headache
a high temperature (38.3C/101F or above)
flushed cheeks
a swollen tongue, known as strawberry tongue
Rash
The distinctive pink-red rash caused by scarlet fever develops 12 to 48 hours after symptoms like a sore throat or headache.
Red blotches are the first sign of the rash. These turn into a fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch and looks like sunburn. It may also be itchy.
On darker skin the rash may be more difficult to see although its rough texture should be apparent.
The rash usually starts on the chest and stomach, but soon spreads to other parts of the body, like the:
ears
neck
elbows
inner thighs
groin
The rash doesn’t usually spread to the face. However, the cheeks become flushed and the area just around the mouth stays quite pale. The rash will turn white if you press a glass on it.
The rash usually fades after about a week, but the outer layers of skin, usually on the hands and feet, may peel for several weeks afterwards.
In milder cases, sometimes called scarlatina, the rash may be the only symptom.
red lines in the folds of the body, such as the armpit, which may last a couple of days after the rash has gone
a white coating on the tongue, which peels a few days later leaving the tongue red and swollen (this is known as strawberry tongue)
a general feeling of being unwell
When to seek medical advice
If you think you or your child may have scarlet fever, see your GP for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It usually clears up after about a week
Your GP should be able to diagnose scarlet fever by examining the distinctive rash and asking about other symptoms. They may also decide to take a sample of saliva from the back of the throat so it can be tested in a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.
There’s no evidence to suggest that catching scarlet fever when pregnant will put your baby at risk. However, if you’re heavily pregnant, tell the doctors and midwives in charge of your care if you’ve been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever.
How scarlet fever spreads
Scarlet fever is very infectious and can be caught by:
breathing in bacteria in airborne droplets from an infected person’s coughs and sneezes
touching the skin of a person with a Streptococcal skin infection, such as impetigo
sharing contaminated towels, baths, clothes or bed linen
It can also be caught from people who have the bacteria in their throat or on their skin but don’t have any symptoms.
Who’s affected by scarlet fever
Most cases of scarlet fever occur in children under 10 (usually between 2 and 8 years of age). However, people of any age can get the illness.
As it’s easily spread, scarlet fever is likely to affect someone in close contact with a person with a sore throat or skin infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Outbreaks can occur in nurseries and schools where children are in close contact with one another.
The symptoms of scarlet fever will only develop in people susceptible to toxins produced by the Streptococcus bacteria. Most children over 10 years of age will have developed immunity to these toxins.
It’s possible to have scarlet fever more than once, but this is rare.
Treating scarlet fever
Most cases of scarlet fever clear up after about a week without treatment. However, your GP may recommend treatment as it:
reduces the length of time you’re infectious
speeds up recovery
lowers the risk of complications of scarlet fever
With treatment, most people recover in about 4 to 5 days and can return to nursery, school or work 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
Without treatment, you’ll be infectious for 1 to 2 weeks after symptoms appear.
Antibiotics
Scarlet fever is usually treated with a 10-day course of antibiotics. This is often in the form of penicillin or amoxicillin tablets, although liquid may be used for young children.
For people who are allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics like erythromycin can be used instead.
The symptoms usually improve within 24 hours of starting antibiotics, with the other symptoms disappearing within a few days. However, it’s important that the whole course of treatment is completed to ensure the infection is fully cleared and reduce the potential for antibiotic resistance.
Keep your child away from nursery or school for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
Adults with scarlet fever should also stay off work for at least 24 hours after starting treatment.
Self care
Many of the symptoms of scarlet fever can be relieved using some simple self care measures.
Do
drink plenty of cool fluids
eat soft foods (if your throat is painful)
take paracetamol to bring down a high temperature
use calamine lotion or antihistamines to relieve itching
Complications of scarlet fever
Most cases of scarlet fever don’t cause complications, particularly if the condition is properly treated.
However, there’s a small risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body and causing more serious infections, like:
If your child has scarlet fever, keep them away from nursery or school for at least 24 hours after starting treatment with antibiotics. Adults with the illness should also stay off work for at least 24 hours after starting treatment.
GPs, schools and nurseries should be aware of the current high levels of scarlet fever and inform local health protection teams if they become aware of cases, particularly if more than one child is affected.
Do
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
wash your hands with soap and water after using or disposing of tissues.
Don’t
do not share contaminated utensils, cups and glasses, clothes, baths, bed linen or towels
We are pleased to launch our spring health campaign ‘Healthy Know How.’
Check your repeat prescription, order only what you need, in plenty of time
