NHS24 – Page 5 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Some healthy advice for festivalgoers

T in the Park Health Advice

Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service is urging music lovers going to T in the Park next week to think ahead and look after their health. NHS 24 is advising festival goers to be prepared by taking a few essential items in case they become unwell.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said, “Summer festivals are great places to meet people and enjoy music with friends but try and remember to pack a few small items with you in case you do become unwell. Take some over the counter medication with you for stomach upsets or diarrhoea and take a simple painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. It is also really important to have sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and antiseptic hand gel is always handy to have at outdoor events.”

He added: “Plan ahead and take some condoms with you to protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Also, tampons, wet wipes and hay fever medication – if you are a sufferer – will always come in handy over the weekend. Don’t forget to take your asthma inhaler or any prescription medicine you need with you and keep it handy.”

Festival goers are reminded not to ruin the weekend for themselves and others by drinking far too much too quickly. Try alternating soft drinks or water for alcoholic ones on a regular basis over the day and don’t forget to eat regularly. You don’t want to miss out on seeing your favourite bands by feeling unwell with the effects of too much alcohol.

Professor Crooks advised: “If you do become ill, go with a friend to the nearest First Aid area. Remember there is safety in numbers. Never leave your drink unattended, never leave friends on their own and don’t wander off by yourself. Organise a meeting point if you get split up and stay with people you know. “

“By taking simple steps, you can help minimise or even prevent minor health problems from ruining your weekend. Stay safe and have a happy and healthy time at T in the Park.”

For further summer health advice go to www.nhsinform.co.uk

NHS24 offers summer holiday health advice

WITH the school summer holidays fast approaching, Scots are being urged to prepare ahead to ensure they have a safe and healthy holiday, whether at home or abroad.

Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service, NHS 24, is advising people to visit www.nhsinform.co.uk to get helpful tips and advice on summer holiday health issues, from sunburn and stings to travel sickness and heat exhaustion.

A dedicated ‘Safe Summer in Scotland’ section provides advice on how to stay safe in the heat and sun, as well as information on how to avoid outdoor hazards, travel tips and the safe preparation of food.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “It is always a good idea to be prepared whether on holiday at home or abroad and the wide range of information available at www.nhsinform.co.uk can help you do just that. Whether it is finding out what vaccinations to have before travelling, what to do when an upset tummy strikes or how to deal with insect bites, the information is readily available.

“If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to last for your whole trip. Remember to order and pick up your repeat prescription in plenty of time before your departure to prevent any last minute delays or unnecessary panic.

“It is essential to always wear sunscreen when out in the sun, even in the UK. I would urge everyone to use a high factor sunscreen to protect themselves against the sun’s harmful rays. And if you are planning any picnics or barbecues in the coming weeks, it is important to keep food refrigerated until you leave home and use a cool box or bag to transport fresh food, particularly if you are taking meats or dairy products.

“By taking these simple steps, you can help minimise or even prevent minor health problems from ruining your holiday.”

NHS 24 is now available on the free phone number 111. By dialling 111, people across Scotland can continue to access the same high quality service for anyone seeking advice and support during the out of hours period when their GP surgery is closed.

Stay safe in the sun!

May be hard to believe, but it’s Sun Awareness Week!

PEOPLE in Scotland are being urged to stay safe in the sun, as part of Sun Awareness Week (May 5-11).

With the prospect of longer, warmer days ahead, people throughout the country will be spending more time outdoors. Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service is urging people to seek advice on staying safe in the sun.

Professor George Crooks, NHS 24’s Medical Director, says that by taking a few simple steps, people can ensure they make the most of the summer season.

He said: “It is always a good idea to be prepared as best you can for the better weather and the wide range of information available at www.nhsinform.co.uk can help you do just that.

“By taking just a few simple steps, we can all make the most of the good weather, without any ill effects. It is all too tempting, especially in Scotland, to overdo it in the sun and end up with painful sunburn. The sun that shines in Scotland, though, is the same sun that shines in the Mediterranean.

“I would advise people, particularly children and young infants, to take sensible precautions like limiting exposure to the direct sun, using sunscreen and drinking plenty of soft drinks.”

NHS inform contains a wide range of advice and information on summer health issues, with dedicated sections on sunburn, heatstroke, allergies and hay fever.

Free and easy: dial 111 for NHS 24

New free and easy-to-remember telephone number for NHS 24

A new free and easy to remember number for NHS 24 in Scotland is now up and running. People looking for medical help and advice can, from today (Tuesday 29 April), contact NHS 24 by calling 111.

It means callers in Scotland will no longer be charged when calling NHS 24 from a landline or mobile.

NHS 24 will continue to deliver the same high quality service for anyone seeking advice and support during the out of hours period until their GP surgery reopens.

It previously cost the price of a local phone call from a BT landline, with calls from other landline service providers and mobile providers often costing more.

Health Secretary, Alex Neil, said: “I strongly believe that our NHS should be free at the point of care for all, and this new number will help to protect these founding principles of the NHS.

“The new number is easy to remember, and free to call, which will ensure everyone across Scotland can access support and advice from NHS 24 whenever they need it.

“NHS 24 already provides a valuable service to patients across Scotland when their GP surgery is closed, and there will be absolutely no change to the high quality service provided through this new number.

“By introducing the 111 number we are removing any barrier for the public to access the health advice out of hours. “This will help to ensure people have access to health information and support, including access to a GP, when they really need it.

“In Scotland, the 111 number will be run by NHS 24 as a public service, in public hands – serving the needs of patients.”

“This is in complete contrast to the approach adopted by the NHS in England, where different organisations, including private sector providers, are contracted to provide the number in different regions.”

Mother-of-two Lee Armstrong, from Edinburgh, supports the change to the new number. Lee, 37, has a seven-year-old daughter Charlotte who has type one diabetes. Charlotte, who is a pupil at Wardie Primary School, was diagnosed with the condition when she was four and now uses an insulin pump.

Lee has contacted NHS 24 on several occasions looking for advice and reassurance when she is worried about her daughter’s blood sugar levels.

Lee said: “As a parent, I have always found it useful to have someone at the end of the telephone when GP surgeries are not open at the weekend or in the evenings. I have always been impressed that information about Charlotte and her condition is passed on quickly by NHS 24 to out-of-hours staff. On several occasions, staff have gone above and beyond to make sure Charlotte receives the right treatment or that I am given the correct advice as a parent.

“I think the move to the free telephone number will make it even easier for parents like me to contact the service in what is a positive development .”

NHS 24 Chief Executive John Turner said: “By dialling 111, patients throughout Scotland will receive the same high quality, trusted service that NHS 24 has delivered for more than ten years. We will continue to work with our partners across Scotland to provide high quality support to patients and their families on the new number, which is easy to remember and free to call.”

“NHS 24 has been serving the people of Scotland for more than ten years now and the move to a freephone number represents the next stage in the development of the country’s provider of telehealth and telecare services.”

Welcoming the introduction of the new free phone number, Dr Andrew Buist, Deputy Chairman of the BMA’s Scottish General Practitioners Committee, added: “Creating a new free phone number for NHS 24 will remove barriers to accessing this important part of our out of hours service. Patients will no longer have to worry about the cost of a phone call when seeking urgent health advice.

“NHS 24 provides an important service to patients at evenings and weekends for medical problems that can’t wait until the GP surgery reopens, with healthcare advice and, if necessary, access to a GP.”

More information on NHS 24 is available at www.nhs24.com

Careful now!

DIY stands for Don’t Injure Yourself this Easter!

AS MANY people in Scotland prepare to make the most of the Easter holidays and the onset of spring by reaching for the tools or lawnmower, a major health campaign is urging DIY and gardening enthusiasts to be prepared.

As part of the NHS Scotland Be Ready for Easter campaign, DIY and gardening enthusiasts are being urged to take care and be prepared to deal with any minor accidents before tackling those all-important home and garden improvements.

By taking a few simple steps and knowing when their GP surgery is open, re-stocking their medicine cabinet and first aid box if needed, and using local pharmacies to seek advice and to treat any minor cuts, bumps, bruises and scrapes, any enthusiastic painters, builders and gardeners can help ensure they stay healthy this spring.

Sheena Wright, Executive Director of Nursing and Care at NHS 24, said: “Every Easter we see an increase in calls resulting from DIY accidents and we would encourage Scots to be prepared before they open the toolbox or garden shed.

“We are encouraging DIY enthusiasts to keep treatments for minor injuries, such as plasters and antiseptic, in the first aid box, visit their pharmacist for health advice and know when they can get an appointment at their GP surgery.”

“With many GP surgeries closed for four days over the Easter weekend, these are a few simple steps people can take to stay healthy.”

Although many GP surgeries will be closed at Easter, many GPs will be working throughout this period supporting out of hours services across Scotland.

The key steps that Be Ready for Easter recommends this spring are:

Restock your medicine cabinet if needed

Minor injuries such as small-scale burns, scratches, knocks and cuts can often be effectively treated at home with readily available treatment such as pain relief, plasters, iodine, antiseptic cream and wipes, gauze and tape. Parents are also reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with child-friendly remedies.

Use your local pharmacy

Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you need over-the-counter remedies or have run out of any prescribed medication.

Know when your GP surgery will be open

Your local doctor’s surgery may be closed for four days during the Easter weekend from Friday April 18 to Monday April 21.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.

Hop into a healthy Easter!

PEOPLE in Lothian are being encouraged to “hop” into Easter by preparing ahead for the holiday period.

The NHS Scotland Be Ready for Easter campaign, which was launched today, is advising people to take a few simple steps to look after their health.

By making sure they have a supply of over the counter medicines, knowing when their GP surgery is open and checking their repeat prescriptions, they can ensure they make the most of the Easter holiday weekend.

This year many GP surgeries across Scotland will close for four days from Good Friday (18 Apri) to Easter Monday (21 April), before re-opening on Tuesday 22 April.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “After winter, Easter is the busiest time of year for Scotland’s health services. The Be Ready for Easter campaign wants to remind people of the small steps they can take to ensure illness doesn’t ruin their Easter.

“Being prepared by having enough repeat medication to cover you and having some simple home remedies available can make all the difference if illness strikes. It is also important to plan ahead for any required repeat prescriptions over the Easter break, so please order and collect in good time. We would also remind people of the wide range of health information available at NHS inform.”

Professor Alison McCallum, Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian, said: “We’d encourage anyone who relies on prescription medicines to ensure they get their request for a repeat prescription to their GP or pharmacist well before Easter preferably by 10 April.

“It’s important you have the medicines you need to see you through this holiday period. Coughs and colds are still doing the rounds. Staying at home, regular hot drinks and taking plenty of rest is the best medicine for a cold. This also helps our specialists focus their efforts on those who are seriously unwell. To help manage troublesome symptoms e.g. colds, your local pharmacist can advise on what you need for a well stocked medicine cabinet.”

Although many GP surgeries will be closed at Easter, hundreds of GPs will be working throughout this period supporting out of hours services across Scotland.

The four key steps that Be Ready for Easter recommends this Spring are:

Restock your medicine cabinet if needed

Common ailments such as colds can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine such as pain relief, cough mixture and cold remedies. Parents are reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with child-friendly remedies.

Use your local pharmacy

Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you need over-the-counter remedies or have run out of any prescribed medication. You can also pick up plasters and antiseptic creams to prepare for any minor accidents.

Make sure you have enough repeat prescription.

If you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you have enough medicine to last over the holiday period.

Know when your GP surgery will be open

Your local doctor’s surgery may be closed for four days during the Easter weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday (April 18th – April 21st).

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.

As the clocks go forward … Spring into health!

Spring has sprung, the clocks go forward this weekend and Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service NHS24 is urging people across the country to use the extra hour of daylight to look after their health …

NHS 24 is reminding people of the huge range of health advice and information available at their fingertips at www.nhsinform.co.uk – the online resource includes an extensive online health library, packed with information about common illnesses, treatments and health services. Users can search alphabetically by health subject, age and gender or by accessing a ‘body map.’

A section dedicated to common health questions includes topics ranging from food and diet and exercise to lifestyle and travel health. There are also specific zones on a variety of subjects including alcohol, mental health and musculoskeletal issues.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “Whilst everyone is being reminded to put their clocks forward this weekend, I would also encourage people to take advantage of this extra hour of daylight to visit www.nhsinform.co.uk

“The clock change marks the onset of spring, which is the ideal time to start thinking about your own health and lifestyle. The NHS Inform website offers an easy and accessible way to get started, whether it is seeking advice and tips on adopting a healthier lifestyle, ways to get more exercise or advice on quitting smoking. NHS Inform is well worth a visit for people looking to kick-start their health this spring.

“The clock change also means that we lose an hour’s sleep. For most of us, this won’t affect our sleep routine, but if you have trouble sleeping or have insomnia, it may cause some anxiety. For more information and helpful advice, visit the insomnia section at www.nhsinform.co.uk “

Visitors can also use the website to email a general information enquiry to NHS 24’s team of health information advisors or search for details of local pharmacies, GP surgeries and dental practices in Scotland.

Be ready for winter

A NATIONAL health campaign highlighting the importance for people in Edinburgh and the Lothians being prepared for winter was launched today. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Alex Neil was joined by a group of schoolchildren and NHS 24’s Associate Medical Director Dr Laura Ryan at Edinburgh’s Christmas to launch the Be Ready for Winter campaign.

The NHS Scotland campaign advises people that by re-stocking their medicine cabinet, checking their repeat prescriptions and knowing when their GP surgery is open, they can ensure they are well prepared for the winter.

Health Minister Alex Neil said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas venue here today is a reminder of some of the fun-filled activities we can take part in at this time of year. It is a busy time of year, especially for families with young children, and it is easy for your health to take a backseat.

“That is why it is important for people in Scotland, especially parents and older people, to take a few simple steps to help make sure they stay healthy. By finding out what services are open and stocking up on winter remedies, we can prevent winter illnesses from spoiling the holiday period. It will also ensure that emergency lifesaving services are kept free for those who really need them.

“Last winter saw increased pressures including an early start to the norovirus season, an increase in respiratory illnesses, and increased pressure on A&E departments, and it is really important that you know who to turn to when you are ill. For some illnesses, your local pharmacist, GP, NHS 24 or minor injuries unit may be a more suitable place to go to rather than A&E.”

This year, GP surgeries will be closed for two days at Christmas (Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December) and again for two days at New Year (Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 January).

NHS 24’s Associate Medical Director Laura Ryan said it is important to prepare ahead for this time: “I would urge people to take the time now to re-stock their medicine cabinet with items such as paracetamol, cough mixture, throat lozenges and cold and flu treatments, to deal with any winter ailments that may inevitably strike. Your local pharmacist is a good source of information and advice on re-stocking your medicine cabinet. If you need to visit your GP, try to schedule an appointment before the festive period and submit your repeat prescription request in plenty of time. Remember you can also access urgent out of hours GP services through NHS 24.”

The four key steps that Be Ready for Winter is recommending everyone take in preparation for their health this winter are:

Restock your winter medicine cabinet

Many children and adults pick up common winter ailments such as a cold or flu-like illness. These can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine. Parents are reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with remedies suitable for children.

Use your local pharmacy

Your local pharmacy is an accessible resource for you and your family. Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you have run out of any prescribed medication. You can also collect medicine for minor ailments or illnesses.

Make sure you have repeat prescriptions.

If you, or someone you care for, require medicines regularly, check that you have enough and if you need more remember to order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you or your family have enough medicine to last over the Christmas holiday period. Only order what you need.

Know when your GP surgery will be open

Your local doctor’s surgery will be open on Tuesday December 24 and will then reopen on Friday 27 December. This means there are two days when it is closed – Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Doctors Surgeries will follow normal opening hours on Tuesday 31 December and will then reopen on Friday 3 January.

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.

Prepared to care?

Care Information Scotland helps Scots to be ‘Prepared to Care’

The theme for this year’s National Carers Week (June 10 – 16) is ‘Prepared to Care’. It is designed to raise awareness of issues that affect both carers and the people they look after, to highlight the help that is available and to illustrate the impact that caring can have on an individual and the family.

Care Information Scotland is a telephone and web service providing information about care services for older people living inScotland. It is there to help carers when making important decisions about care needs, both now and in the future.

Marcia Rankin, Head of Health & Care Information Services at NHS 24 explains how the service can help: “As National Carers Week highlights, there are many challenges that people face when thinking about caring for someone. If it’s an older relative, friend or neighbour then Care Information Scotland can help with facts about getting care needs assessed, what options there are for providing care at home or alternatives like supported housing and care homes.”

Care InformationScotland also signposts to services and support to help unpaid carers, and an overview of an individuals rights. Marcia Rankin says it’s important that people plan for care needs, understand their options and really do feel ‘prepared to care’: “There are many choices and options to help meet care needs and the more information people have then the better able they are to make the right decisions.

“This information and more is available on www.careinfoscotland.co.ukor if you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call the helpline on 08456 001 001 8am – 10pm seven days a week (calls charges may vary depending on your service provider). Whatever your question about care, Care Information Scotland is a good place to start.”

Call 111 for free medical help

NHS 24 calls to be free of charge

A memorable new free number for NHS 24 is to be introduced. The existing number for NHS 24 will be replaced by 111 in summer 2014, meaning people in Scotland will no longer be charged when calling the advice service from a landline or mobile.

NHS 24 will continue to deliver the same high quality service for anyone seeking advice and support during the out of hours period when their GP surgery is closed. The current cost to call NHS 24 from a BT landline is the price of a local phone call, with calls from other landline service providers and mobile providers often costing more.

Health Secretary, Alex Neil, said: “I strongly believe that our NHS should be free at the point of contact and this new number is about ensuring that this applies to those who seek support and advice from NHS 24. By introducing this memorable and free number we are removing any barrier for the public to access the health advice when their GP surgery is closed. By ensuring people have access to health information it will also help to keep emergency lifesaving services available for those who really need them.”

NHS 24 Chief Executive John Turner said: “We welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s announcement today. NHS 24 has been providing high quality, safe and effective telephone triage and support services to the people of Scotland during the out of hours period for the past 10 years. We have a range of highly skilled staff taking 1.5 million calls per year from patients when their GP surgery is closed.

“NHS 24 will work closely with a range of NHS services such as the GP out of hours service, primary care emergency centres, A&E services, the Scottish Ambulance Service and patient representatives to fully plan and implement the change to 111. This will help ensure that, when 111 is introduced to Scotland next year, NHS 24 and our partners across Scotland, will continue to provide high quality support to patients and their families on the new number, which is easy to remember and free to call.”