WINTER pressures across NHS Scotland will be tackled through an investment of £10 million.

This will help reduce hospital visits, where possible, by managing care closer to home for those with long-term conditions and minor injuries, with a focus on better use of community pharmacies and more support to direct people to the best service for them.

The funding, which has been allocated to health boards, is in addition to the £6.3m previously allocated for unscheduled care.

The investment will also help discharge patients over weekends and holiday periods when they are fit to go home.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Winter creates particular pressures on our health and social care system, so it’s important that we are well prepared.”

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