NHS Lanarkshire urging residents to plan ahead over festive season

NHS Lanarkshire Encouraging Residents to Prepare Ahead During the Festive Season

As the holiday season approaches, NHS Lanarkshire is advising residents to plan ahead by checking the opening hours of GP practices and local pharmacies. With some GP practices extending their hours during the holiday period, residents can be proactive in ensuring access to necessary healthcare without delays. Several GP practices will offer extended hours on selected days to meet the heightened demand in winter, including opening on public holidays after Christmas and New Year, such as Boxing Day and January 2. Moreover, additional Saturday hours will be available on December 28, as well as January 4, 11, 18, and 25.

Dr. Chris Deighan, Executive Medical Director at NHS Lanarkshire, emphasized the importance of these additional winter hours to support residents with urgent health concerns over the holiday period. Planning ahead, checking local practice hours, and addressing healthcare needs in advance can help avoid unnecessary visits to A&E for non-emergencies. In addition to GP practices, many pharmacies across Lanarkshire will remain open throughout the winter to assist residents with minor health issues and essential prescriptions. They can provide over-the-counter medications, health advice, and guidance on minor ailments to ensure prompt and professional support locally.

Graeme Bryson, Director of Pharmacy, highlighted the valuable role of community pharmacies in offering swift and reliable health support, especially during the winter months. By accessing expert advice, over-the-counter treatments, and assistance with repeat prescriptions, residents can benefit from the services pharmacies provide. Details of pharmacy and GP practice opening times, including schedules over Christmas and New Year, are available on the NHS Lanarkshire online Winter Health Hub. This hub offers updated information to help residents choose the most appropriate healthcare option and manage their health effectively during the winter season.

By being informed about GP and pharmacy hours and planning for routine healthcare needs in advance, residents in Lanarkshire can help keep emergency services available for those in urgent need during winter. The online Winter Health Hub can be accessed at www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/your-health/winter-health/.

**Insights and Summary:**
As the festive season approaches, NHS Lanarkshire is proactively reaching out to residents, encouraging them to plan ahead for their healthcare needs. By extending GP practice hours and keeping pharmacies open during the winter period, they aim to ensure that residents have access to necessary healthcare services without unnecessary delays. This initiative not only helps in managing minor health concerns promptly but also promotes efficient use of emergency services by planning ahead for routine healthcare needs. Residents can benefit from the convenience of extended hours and reliable support provided by pharmacies, ultimately contributing to a healthier community during the winter months.