Important information for accessing medical services for those travelling to the Western Isles

NHS Western Isles is reminding visitors to bring sufficient supplies of any medications they take daily with them on holiday.

Visitors to the islands should be aware that there are no local pharmacies in Uist or Barra and that the closest pharmacy to Harris is in Stornoway. It is therefore essential that you come prepared with an ample supply of any medications you are required to take on a regular basis as well as an extra supply in case of any transport or other unexpected delays. 

Due to our remote and rural setting, we recommend you bring useful items such as sun cream, a basic first aid kit, over the counter medications that you might need (e.g. pain relief, antihistamines etc), and the date of your last tetanus injection if possible. If visiting during the summer months, midge repellent is advisable. 

If you do require over the counter medication or first aid supplies during your visit, our local shops supply simple over the counter medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, tick removers, midge repellents, etc. Shop opening times may vary, in particular, on Sundays in Lewis and Harris.

Our community pharmacies in Lewis stock a wide range of over the counter medications and can offer advice and treatment on minor illnesses. You can find out more about our community pharmacies on our website https://www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/our-services/pharmacy-services/

Visitors who find that they do require an emergency prescription due to having brought insufficient regular medication with them, are respectfully requested to discuss this with their own GP in the first instance. If you are visiting Lewis/Harris and are registered with a GP in Scotland our community pharmacies in Stornoway or Back will be able to help you obtain an emergency supply of your drugs. Please note that this service is not available for controlled drugs. For more information about services offered by our community pharmacies please see https://www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Community-Pharmacy-Flyer.pdf

Otherwise, to request an emergency prescription, visitors will need to register as a temporary resident with one of our GP practices during normal opening hours.  You can find a list of the local GP practices on our website at https://www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/about-us/our-hospitals-and-healthcare-premises/gp-practices/

Our GP practices do not ordinarily provide a tick removal service, we recommend using a tick remover tool, which you can purchase from a number of local shops across the island, or bring one with you. Further information on tick bites is available from NHS Inform, https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/skin-injuries/tick-bites/

If you require non-emergency medical advice and information, please telephone NHS 24 on 111.

In an emergency phone 999 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. Emergency services are provided by Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh in Benbecula, and St. Brendan’s Hospital in Barra.

More information on local medical services can be found on our website www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk and general advice can be found on www.nhs.inform.scot

NHS Western Isles wishes all visitors to our beautiful islands a safe and healthy holiday.