News

Patients with mild coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms are being reminded not to call NHS 24 if they are able to manage their symptoms at home.

Those who are unable to manage their symptoms, or if symptoms do not improve after seven days, should contact NHS24 on 111, day or night.

We are also urging local communities across the Western Isles: please do not call your GP or go to the surgery with regard to coronavirus.  

This system provides patients with a straightforward dedicated route to clinical advice and support, as well as freeing up GP practices to treat and care for all non-coronavirus health conditions.

Under the new arrangement introduced at the end of March, callers to the 111 helpline will be assessed and, if necessary, transferred to a local community assessment hub. There are assessment hubs, staffed by local clinicians, in Lewis, Uist and Barra, to ensure patients get the best possible advice at the right time. You will receive directions to the Hub as appropriate.

Depending on their assessment, patients may be given advice over the telephone to help them continue self-isolating at home or be given an appointment to attend their local assessment centre for further treatment.

Where symptoms are manageable and for people who have access to the internet, NHS Inform’s coronavirus webpage is still the fastest way for people to get the latest health advice and information.

There is also a free NHS 24 helpline for people without symptoms looking for general information on coronavirus – 0800 028 2816.

For patients who do not have any coronavirus symptoms (but need to see a doctor), they should continue to telephone their GP when open and not call NHS 24. In the out of hours period, when displaying symptoms other than coronavirus, you should only call 111 if you need urgent assessment and cannot wait until your GP is open.

Background

NHS Inform’s coronavirus webpage is still the fastest way for people to get the latest health advice and information.

If you need a sick note due to coronavirus, don’t contact your GP or NHS 24. You can download an isolation note directly from NHS Inform.

Common symptoms of coronavirus include:

• high temperature or fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

Patients should only call NHS 24 (on 111) if their symptoms:

• have not improved after 7 days
• are severe or they have shortness of breath
• worsen during home isolation

For any other health related concerns, make NHS Inform your first point of contact or call your GP during opening hours. If your GP practice is closed and your query can’t wait you can still call NHS 24 (on 111).

If you don't have symptoms and are looking for general information on coronavirus, call NHS Inform’s free helpline: 0800 028 2816.