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Winter and the NHS
30/11/2007
The NHS is geared up for the inevitable pressures that winter brings and is prepared to respond to additional demand, a leading health official said today.
NHS Scotland Chief Executive Kevin Woods said:
"The winter months can bring added stresses on NHS Scotland services which is why Boards work very hard on preparations designed to meet these challenges.
"A key part of our message to the public is to encourage them to take steps to be prepared for the winter season and what to do if they are feeling unwell.
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"We want to take the opportunity to remind the public that many common winter ailments can be treated successfully without going to your GP or local hospital. Medications bought from the pharmacy and rest at home will often suffice.
"NHS24 and Boards have worked together to improve their capacity to deal with out-of-hours and public holiday calls. Boards will have plans in place that allow them to respond to pressures and protect services to patients both in hospital and in the community
"A new advertising campaign will be launched in December as part of the Get Ready for Winter campaign and will highlight what the public can do to keep well this winter and what to do if they need to access NHS services. It asks individuals to do a few simple and sensible things to ease the pressure - helping the NHS to get help to those who need it most this winter."
The Scottish Government has already carried out promotional work to encourage everyone over 65 or in an at risk group to get the flu jab.