Show You Care, Prepare

People across the Western Isles are being encouraged to be prepared for winter illnesses in a new campaign launched today/on Friday 4th December.

The NHSScotland campaign takes the ‘clap for carers’ idea and turns it around, showing healthcare workers applauding people as they check their prescription, visit their pharmacy for medicines and health advice, and check the self-help guides at nhsinform.scot  

NHS Western Isles Medical Director, Dr Frank McAuley said: “It's always a good idea to prepare for the common winter illnesses, and this year it’s even more important. Services tend to be busier in the winter so anything we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthier is good.

“No one can predict illness, so it's a good idea to keep some common remedies at home such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Knowing the best place to get help if someone does become unwell is also important – there is a service directory on NHSinform.scot which also has a range of really helpful self-help guides.

“In the run up to the festive holidays it’s worth checking any repeat prescription you rely on, making sure you order only what you need and in plenty of time.

“Your local pharmacist can also help with advice about winter health and medicines – all provided in a COVID safe way! These are just a few of the ways we can all show we care – for ourselves, each other and our NHS.”

NHS Western Isles supports the Show You Care, Prepare campaign in partnership with NHSScotland, NHS 24 and all Scottish Health Boards.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/winter