Tag: Show you care. Prepare

Scotland embraces digital National Health information service

More Scots than ever before are turning to digital health information during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the first month of 2021 more than 7 million users visited NHSinform.scot. This is the highest ever number of users for the site in a single month – and more than 5 times the number for January last year. Around 4 in every 5 visitors to the site was using a mobile phone or tablet device.

Unsurprisingly, the most popular content in the past year is information on the coronavirus vaccine, who will get it and how, and on how to get coronavirus testing or care for someone with the virus at home.

The other illnesses for which people most often sought digital advice were fever, thrush, food poisoning and chest infections.

Mental Health is a widely shared concern, with anxiety and panic, fears and phobias, stress, anger and low mood, and depression being the most common topics viewed. The NHSinform.scot pages for these topics were viewed over 120,000 times in January alone.

Dr Laura Ryan, Medical Director at NHS 24 said: “The pandemic has meant we have all had to find new ways of going about our daily lives and that includes the way we get essential health information when we need it.

“It’s great to see that our digital resources have become so widely trusted by people across Scotland. The content on NHSinform is governed by the same standards as the advice given by the NHS 24 telephone services.

“I would encourage people to use the self-help guides for immediate support as they are readily available wherever a mobile phone or other device is to hand. In many cases the online advice will allow people to self-care at home, but it is of course very important to contact a healthcare professional if our self-help guides direct you to do that.”

With travel affected by poor weather and the pandemic, it makes sense to turn to NHSinform.scot for support. Where symptoms suggest that a healthcare professional is needed, users are guided to speak to their pharmacist, GP, optometrist, dentist or call 111 or 999 as appropriate. You can also find out where your nearest services are using our Scottish Services Directory by simply entering your postcode.

Users can walk through all this information on our handy self-help guides or, by reading.

NHS 24 wants to offer the public choice about how they access services. Essential information on using our services has been translated into multiple languages with communities across Scotland and is available in easy read and British Sign Language formats.

For those who do not have access to a device or prefer not to use one, we still offer telephony advice and information.

Make sure repeat prescriptions are top of your Christmas list

NHS 24 is reminding people who take regular medication to make sure their repeat prescription is top of their Christmas list.

The reminder is part of the winter health campaign ‘Show you care. Prepare’ which encourages people to take care of themselves, their loved ones and the NHS by being prepared for winter ailments.

This year will see four day festive and Hogmanay breaks when opening times at GP practices and community pharmacies will be different so it’s important that people check their prescription, order only what they need and in plenty of time.

NHS 24’s Head of Pharmacy, John McAnaw said: “This can be a really busy time of the year but it’s important that we all take time to think about our health, do what we can to stay well and be prepared for winter ailments. That way we’ll also be doing our bit to support the NHS through the busy winter period.

“Things like paracetamol, ibuprofen and indigestion remedies are useful to have at home and you can ask your pharmacist for advice about winter health and medicines. It’s also a good idea to keep child friendly remedies at home if you have any wee ones.

“Winter can always throw up a surprise, especially in terms of weather so don’t leave it to the last minute to order and pick up your repeat prescription.

“Check what you have, and order only what you need and collect it in plenty of time – you should order by Monday 21st December at the latest to be sure of having your medicines ready before Christmas.”

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/winter

Show You Care, Prepare

People across Scotland are being encouraged to be prepared for winter illnesses in a new campaign launched today/on Friday 4th December.

The NHSScotland campaign takes the ‘clap for carers’ idea and turns it around, showing healthcare workers applauding people as they check their prescription, visit their pharmacy for medicines and health advice, and check the self-help guides at nhsinform.scot.

NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan said: “It’s always a good idea to prepare for the common winter illnesses, and this year it’s even more important. Services tend to be busier in the winter so anything we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthier is good.

‘No one can predict illness, so it’s a good idea to keep some common remedies at home such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Knowing the best place to get help if someone does become unwell is also important – there is a service directory on NHS 24’s health information site NHSinform.scot which also has a range of really helpful self-help guides.

‘In the run up to the festive holidays it’s worth checking any repeat prescription you rely on, making sure you order only what you need and in plenty of time.

‘Your local pharmacist can also help with advice about winter health and medicines – all provided in a COVID-safe way! You should continue to stick to the rules for COVID-19 including self -isolation advice and how to access a test if you develop symptoms. All of the up to date information on COVID-19 is on our dedicated pages on NHS Inform.

These are just a few of the ways we can all show we care – for ourselves, each other and our NHS.”

NHS 24 supports the Show You Care, Prepare campaign in partnership with NHSScotland and all Scottish Health Boards.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/winter