KNOW WHERE TO GO
Do you know where to get the Right Care in the Right Place?
By using NHS resources wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
Find out more about #RightCareRightPlace: https://nhs24.info/RightCareRightPlace
Dental emergencies need to be assessed and treated quickly to avoid the risk of permanent damage they include:
abscess and swellings in and around the mouth
bleeding
trauma such as a knocked out a tooth
If you’re registered with a dentist and think you have a dental emergency during the in hours period, phone your dental practice.
If you’re not registered with a dentist follow the advice on NHS inform – https://nhs24.info/dental-emergencies
If you think you’ve a dental emergency during the out of hours period phone the 111 service.
Chalmers Dental Centre*
3 Chalmers Street, Edinburgh EH3 9EW Tel: 0131 536 4800.
Dental triage and advice service, Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
Dental treatment service, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
*Please note, Chalmers is not a walk-in service. If you require an urgent appointment, you must call the number.
Insect bites and stings
There are a number of precautions you can take to avoid being bitten or stung by insects: 
Move away slowly, don’t panic.
Cover exposed skin with long sleeves and trousers.
Wear shoes outdoors.
Apply DEET-based insect repellent.
Avoid flowering plants, food areas, rubbish.
Remove fallen fruit, use lids on dustbins.
Camp away from water sources.
Keep food and drink covered.
Use netting on doors and windows.
Keep doors and windows closed.
Protect yourself from stings and bites! 
It’s summer! 
We have some health advice to keep you and your loved ones well over the summer months.
Need advice on …
Medicine and first aid?
Prescribed medicine and travel?
BBQ food preparation advice?
Avoiding bugs and germs outdoors?
Bumps, bruises and other accidents?
Heat related illnesses?
Check out our summer resources on NHS inform!
The 111 service provides urgent care triage if you think you need A&E but it’s not life-threatening, and advice when your GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed.
Knowing when to phone NHS 111 can help us manage calls effectively, and help you get the right care in the right place quickly.
For more information on when it’s best to call us on 111, visit this page 
https://nhs24.info/when-to-phone-111
If there is a danger to life or serious injury, dial 999 or go straight to A&E.
Important, please share 
It’s important to know the opening times of your GP, pharmacy and dental surgeries over the Easter weekend in case you need medical assistance.
A lot of these services will have reduced hours or be closed, so it’s best to check in advance to ensure you have access to the care you need.
Find out more at NHS inform
HEALTHY KNOW HOW spring health campaign
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
Find out more about the spring campaign:
If you need help or advice this weekend, here are some quick links that can save you time on the way to feeling better 
NHS inform symptom checkers
https://nhs24.info/symptom-checkers
https://nhs24.info/when-to-phone-111
Find your local pharmacy
https://nhs24.info/servicedirectory
Mental wellbeing support
https://nhs24.info/mental-wellbeing
Please share
Looking for some motivation this weekend? 
Our 12-week weight management programme can help you eat better, feel better and work towards a healthier weight. 
Remember, small steps can make a big difference.
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.”
