Thursday April 6th 2023
Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary talking to NHS 24 Call Handler Sean.
Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, has visited NHS 24’s newest contact centre at Hillington, Glasgow to see first-hand the preparations in place to support the public over the Easter holiday weekend.
The 111 service, which is delivered by NHS 24, expects to manage around 39,000 calls over the 4-day weekend when many GP and pharmacy services will be operating on public holiday hours. NHS 24’s health information website and the new NHS 24 online app will also be offering a range of health advice and thousands of people are expected to visit these channels and make use of the symptom-checkers which are a quick and easy way for people to get access to the help they need.
During the visit, Mr Matheson met nurses and call handlers, many of whom will be working over the holiday to provide support to the public.
He said: “I was pleased to meet some of our hard-working NHS staff and thank them for their dedication and commitment, particularly over the last few challenging years.
“NHS 24’s range of services, including NHS inform and the new online app, will be available to support people with their health needs this weekend, helping the public to get the right care from the right place over the Easter Break.
“We can all play our part in relieving pressure on the NHS at busy times by making sure we have the prescriptions we need, ensuring we have medicines for common illnesses in our home and checking on NHS 24’s new online app on where to go for treatment if we need it.”
Pauline Howie, NHS 24’s Director of Service Delivery, outlined the extensive planning which has taken place and stressed that people can also support the NHS with some easy preparations at home:
“NHS 24’s 111 service is there to help people access care 24/7. Nobody wants their Easter weekend to be interrupted with a health issue and we know that many of the common ailments we get calls about can quickly and easily be looked after at home, avoiding the need to call our service or visit busy emergency departments.
“Having over the counter medications at home is always a good idea and can provide quick relief from seasonal illness, coughs and colds or tummy upsets. Over the school holidays, it’s also a good idea to have a basic first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic and bandages in the house in case of any injuries or mishaps.
“Although many GP practices and pharmacies will have amended opening hours over the Easter weekend, remember that NHS inform has lots of helpful advice that can help you deal with any symptoms of minor illness, or point you in the right direction to get the right care in the right place if you need it.
“NHS 24 has been working hard to ensure the 111 service is there for people who need help but we can all do our bit to ensure that ourselves and our families are happy and healthy over the Easter holidays.”
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