People across the Western Isles are being reminded about the correct way to access urgent care this winter 

NHS Western Isles has put together an animated video to explain the correct way to access urgent care to ensure that everyone gets the right care in the right place.  

It’s important for the public to understand how and where to access the right help and support for their specific health needs. If patients follow the instructions laid out in the new animation, they will save themselves time and help alleviate some of the pressures the NHS is facing, particularly during the winter months. 

Janette Murray, Emergency Department Manager at Western Isles Hospital explains in the video: “If you have an urgent condition but it is not life threatening, you should phone NHS24 on 111 during the day as well as out-of-hours.  

“NHS24 staff may be able to deal with your problem over the phone or they may refer you back to the most appropriate place for you. This could be a referral to a local pharmacy or GP, or they may schedule an appointment through our virtual appointment system – Near Me.”  

She continues: “If they think that your problem requires it, they will schedule a time for you to attend your local Emergency Department.  

“Our local emergency departments are extremely busy, and we need to ensure that we can give the right care to people in the right place.  

“By calling NHS24 when your condition is not an emergency you can help to reduce long waiting times in the emergency department and help to ensure that everyone who needs an appointment is seen as quickly as possible.  

“Those with life threatening conditions including suspected heart attacks, strokes, severe breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or serious injury should continue to call 999.”  

Self Care and NHS Inform 

In some situations, self-care is the best option for a speedy recovery, when you have a minor illness or injury. A well-stocked medicine cabinet means you’ll receive the right treatment immediately. Make sure you have some over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for common seasonal illnesses in your medicine cabinet. Always follow the advice on the pack, and if your symptoms continue (or are severe) get further advice by: 

·        Contacting your GP Practice

·        Visiting your local Pharmacist 

·        By visiting NHS Inform: www.nhsinform.scot 

·        Calling NHS 24 on 111. 

NHS inform is your national health information service. Visit www.nhsinform.scot for general NHS information and advice on a wide range of health issues. 

Self-help Guides

There are a series of self-help guides available online which include advice on the most common winter illnesses, based on the health concerns raised on calls to NHS24 on 111.  

Self-help guides can be found by visiting NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/self-help-guides

Your Pharmacist

Your Pharmacist can help with many common ailments. There is no need to make an appointment. 

Drop in and speak to your pharmacist first for advice on: 

·        Allergies 

·        Cold sores 

·        Constipation 

·        Coughs & colds 

·        Diarrhoea 

·        Mouth ulcers 

·        Pain 

·        Sore throats 

·        Teething 

·        Upset tummies. 

Your GP 

If you have a health concern that cannot be managed through self-care or by a Pharmacist, you should seek help from your GP.

GPs can provide advice, information, and prescriptions for any medicines you may need; routine monitoring and management of ongoing health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease; screening such as smears and child health; and they can refer you to another specialist healthcare professional for tests and treatment, if required. 

To view the animated video from NHS Western Isles, please visit: https://www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/our-services/out-of-hours-services/