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Your guide to health services this winter and festive period

 

If you are ill, there are a wide range of health services for you and your family throughout winter.

Stay at home

• Treat coughs, colds and flu by keeping warm, resting and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
• Paracetemol or ibuprofen can reduce high temperatures and ease aches and pains.
• Most people recover from viral infections like cold and flu within four to seven days.
• Antibiotics won’t help with flu, colds and most coughs and sore throats.

Ask your Pharmacist

• Advice on common complaints including coughs and colds, sore throats, stomach upsets, head lice and athletes foot.
• Minor Ailments Service for patients exempt from prescription charges - free advice and supply of medicine without having to see GP.
• Lanarkshire pharmacy opening times over the festive season.

Contact your GP (doctor)

• For more serious illnesses, make a routine appointment with your GP.
• Cancel your appointment if things change and you no longer need it.

Call NHS 24, dial 08454 24 24 24

• For urgent medical advice when your GP surgery is closed, contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24. If required, you will see a GP, nurse or paramedic from the Lanarkshire Out Of Hours Service.
• NHS 24 can advise on dental emergencies if you are not registered with a dentist. For registered patients, call your own dentist.

Accident & Emergency/999

• For accidents and serious emergencies go to A&E at Wishaw General, Monklands or Hairmyres hospitals or call 999. They are open throughout the festive period, including public holidays.
• Call NHS 24 if you are unsure what to do.