A BOOKLET is being delivered to households across Scotland this week giving information on options for accessing health advice to help relieve pressure on the NHS.
The leaflets stress that services remain open, but give details of where patients can find advice online or in the local community.
For example, calling 111 is advised in cases where someone thinks they may need A&E but it is not a life-threatening situation.
The same number can also be used to access mental health advice or for out-of-hours assistance if someone is too ill to wait for their GP practice to open.
The public are also being asked to use the NHS inform website for common symptoms and to go to their community pharmacy for help with minor illnesses in the first instance.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We are making it easier for people to get the right care in the right place.
“This leaflet outlines how people can use the NHS inform website to access advice on common symptoms, guidance for self-help and where to go if further medical care is needed.
“NHS 24 on 111 is there for those who need urgent medical attention but can’t wait for their GP practice or dentist to reopen, and you can access help with minor health concerns from your pharmacy via NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.”
She added: “While the NHS is always there, we can all support our NHS to cope with the pandemic and the usual pressures that come over winter by ensuring we know where to turn for the right care.
“I would encourage everyone to read these leaflets and look at guidance on the Scottish Government website and on NHS inform.
“Help us to keep you and our NHS safe by making the right call at the right time to access the right care in the right place for you and your family.”
This month the number of Covid patients in hospital passed the peak which was reached during the spring outbreak.
Some health boards have recently announced the suspension of certain planned operations as a result of the surge in Covid patients, including NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Dumfries and Galloway and NHS Lanarkshire.
As of Friday evening, 1863 people were in hospital across Scotland with recently confirmed Covid-19, up three. There were also 145 patients in intensive care, an increase of four.
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