Health board warns Scots to be careful over festive season

A health board has warned Scots to take care when serving Christmas dinner this year as it revealed gravy burns remain a common reason why people end up in A&E each year.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has listed a number of common festive mishaps that lead to members of the public attending hospital, including cuts from box cutters and craft knives, falls from ladders while hanging decorations, and digestive issues such as acid reflux and constipation.

Upset stomachs and seasonal respiratory illnesses also feature among those who self-present at A&E – conditions that can often be treated elsewhere.

Dr Claire Harrow, deputy medical director for acute services, said: “Christmas Day is full of excitement, and let’s be honest, a bit of chaos.

“When things get hectic, accidents can happen in seconds. We’re asking everyone to enjoy the celebrations but take care, especially in the kitchen.”

She added: “A&E is for urgent injuries and life-threatening emergencies.

“For minor injuries or illnesses, you should start by trying to treat from home or call NHS 24 on 111 if you’re unsure. They’ll give advice and arrange an appointment if needed, either virtually or in person.

“No-one wants to spend Christmas Day in a waiting room.”

Paediatricians are urging parents and carers to be extra careful to prevent children from sustaining such injuries.

NHSGCC warned that button batteries and water beads are sometimes swallowed by children, and things such as hair straighteners can cause burns.

It also warned that children may swallow liquitabs and other cleaning products, believing them to be sweets.

Jenna Hill, major trauma co-ordinator at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, urged parents to take care when giving kids certain gifts.

She said: “Bikes and scooters without motors are popular gifts.

“If Santa is delivering any unmotorised items with wheels, then we would also encourage this to come with a helmet.

“Our campaign alongside Police Scotland recently highlighted the dangers of (motorised) eScooters and eBikes, and the risk of serious injury is real and rising.

“It’s important that people remember that eScooters are illegal to use in public spaces and it is illegal for under-14s to ride on eBikes in Scotland.”