Scots urged to know how to get help as NHS faces ‘acute pressure’

Scots are being urged to ensure they know the best way of getting medical help during the festive period, with First Minister John Swinney chairing a meeting on winter preparedness for the NHS.

Mr Swinney, Health Secretary Neil Gray, public health minister Jenni Minto and representatives from NHS Scotland, Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service all took part in talks on Boxing Day – with Mr Gray stressing the Christmas break could be a “challenging time” for health and care services.

The meeting came amid increased activity levels across the health and care system, with this impacting Scotland’s ambulance service most acutely.

With rising cases of influenza A being seen, the Health Secretary spoke about the “acute pressure” on the system.

Mr Gray said: “The festive season is always a challenging time for health and care services and patient safety remains our top priority.

“While there is acute pressure on the health and care system, in part due to an increase in cases of influenza A, services continue to perform effectively.”

But he added people could help “support” health services over this period by ensuring they know the “best way to access the care they need”.

This can help people to “get the right advice quickly and ensure that services such as the ambulance service and A&E can focus on those who need seen urgently”, Mr Gray stated.

He continued: “We continue to work closely with health boards and the Scottish Ambulance Service to maintain a fast response to the most critically unwell, and in these cases people should always dial 999.

“However, if your condition is not life-threatening, you should visit nhsinform.scot or call NHS 24 on 111 first.”

The Scottish Government is also continuing to support health boards during the winter flu season, with the Health Secretary saying more than 1.7 million flu vaccines and and one million Covid-19 vaccines had been administered by the NHS by December 15.

Mr Gray added: “A selection of clinics will be open between Christmas and New Year and I urge all those who are eligible for vaccinations this winter to come forward as soon as possible to protect themselves against seasonal illnesses.”