This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Advice on winter NHS use
30/11/2005
An advertising campaign launched today encourages responsible use of the NHS over the winter period so that those most in need of help can get it first.
The television, press, poster and leaflet campaign was unveiled by NHS Scotland Chief Executive Kevin Woods and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Peter Donnelly at a media briefing on NHS plans and preparation for winter.
Mr Woods said:
"Every year, NHS Scotland actively plans for the pressures on services that winter can bring and thorough preparations have been made to meet these challenges.
"There has been a significant increase in overall investment to NHS Boards this year and there is increased capacity in the system in terms of beds and staffing. NHS24 and Boards have also worked together to improve their capacity to deal with out-of-hours and public holiday calls. But winter pressures happen - and this year the cold weather warning means that the NHS may face more pressure than for several years.
"The public can and do play an important part in helping the NHS to ensure that these pressures do not cause significant disruption. The new advertising campaign, by focusing on what the public can do, complements our preparatory work. It asks individuals to do a few simple and sensible things to ease the pressure - helping the NHS get help to those who need it most this winter."
Professor Donnelly said:
"As well as gearing up the NHS and encouraging the public to play their part, we also need to look at what individuals can do to help themselves and others.
"We all have a responsibility to look after our health and to look out for others such as elderly neighbours - particularly at this time of year.
"If you are in an at risk group, it's important to get your flu jab. The at risk group for flu immunisation includes those over the age of 65 and those of any age who suffer from chronic disease. We also offer it to those who are primary carers. You can get the pneumococcal vaccine too if you are over 65 and have not had it before. Unlike the flu jab this one does not need to be repeated every year.
"During the short winter days try and stay active and get outside in daylight if possible to ward off the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder. In bad weather, take sensible precautions to avoid falls and fractures.
"In particularly cold weather it is important to consider hypothermia. Remember that alcohol can contribute to lowering your core body temperature so use common sense in terms of what you wear and how much you drink on nights out."
The NHS Scotland advertising campaign sets out some steps to help NHS Scotland at its busiest time, and highlights the NHS Helpline number 0800 22 44 88 and website www.winterhealthadvice.co.uk which has further information on keeping well this winter. Leaflets have also been distributed to GP practices and pharmacies.
Practical steps are:
- Ask your pharmacist for advice on treatments for common winter illnesses
- If you take repeat medication, make sure that your doctor gives you a prescription to cover holiday periods such as Christmas and New Year
- Where possible, use your GP Practice for health care advice by making a routine appointment
- Use out of hours services only when you think it can't wait until your GP practice is open
On average, there has been an increase of 7.6 per cent in the sums available to NHS Boards during 2005-06. Around £18 million has been invested on the new flu immunisation campaign, with £30 million annually to transfer patients from hospital and into more appropriate care.