Alex Neil urges people across Dumfries & Galloway to Be Ready for Winter
Written by author on November 22, 2012
A national health campaign urging people in Dumfries and Galloway to prepare for the winter period was launched today.
A group of children were joined at Glasgow’s Snow Factor by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Alex Neil and NHS 24’s Director of Nursing and Care, Sheena Wright, to launch the Be Ready for Winter campaign.
The NHSScotland campaign advises people that by re-stocking their medicine cabinet, checking their repeat prescriptions and knowing when their GP surgery is closed, they can ensure they are well prepared for the winter.
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Alex Neil said: “This time of year is always very busy, especially for families with young children, and it’s easy to forget things like ordering your repeat prescription.
“Just a few simple steps like finding out what services are open and stocking up your medicine cupboard can help prevent winter coughs and colds from spoiling the holiday season. It will also ensure that emergency lifesaving services are kept free for those who really need them.”
This year, GP surgeries will be closed for two days at Christmas (Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th December) and again for two days at New Year (Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd January). The national Be Ready for Winter campaign is supported by NHSScotland in partnership with NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service and all 14 Scottish Health Boards.
Angus Cameron, Medical Director for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said: “As we head into winter, it is a case of “preparing for the worse but hoping for the best. If you suffer from significant chronic conditions such as chronic bronchitis or heart disease, you should make sure that you have had a flu jag this year- your GP practice will be pleased to help.
“It’s also important for everyone, particularly elderly people, to take a few simple steps to make sure they are prepared if they are unlucky enough to catch a cough or cold. Having a stock of over the counter remedies at home means we can usually treat colds and coughs ourselves. If you are on long-term medication, it is important to make sure that you order a new supply in advance of actually running out – this is particularly important over the Christmas break. But do please make sure that you only order drugs that you will continue to require – there are dangers from too many unused medicines being stored in people’s homes.”
General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk/winter or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.
The four key steps that Be Ready for Winter is recommending everyone take in preparation for their health this winter are:
Restock your winter medicine cabinet
Many children and adults pick up common winter ailments such as colds or flu-like illnesses. These can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine. Parents are reminded to stock up on over-the-counter remedies suitable for children.
Use your local pharmacy
Your local pharmacy is an accessible resource for you and your family. Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you have run out of any prescribed medication. You can also collect medicine for minor ailments or illnesses.
Make sure you have repeat prescriptions.
If you, or someone you care for, require medicines regularly, check that you have enough and if you need more, remember to order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you and your family have enough medicine to last over the Christmas holiday period. Only order what you need.
Know when your GP surgery will be open
Your local doctor’s surgery will be open on Monday December 24th and will then reopen on Thursday 27th December. This means there are two days when it is closed – Christmas day and Boxing Day.
Doctors Surgeries will follow normal opening hours on Monday 31st December and will then reopen on Thursday 3rd January.
