Public urged to get ready and prepare for winter illnesses

Winter always brings challenges for health and social care services, and this year will be no different. The health authority is already starting to see an increase in seasonal illnesses and when the weather is icy we see a lot of injuries from slips and trips.

Dr Andrew Kinnon, emergency medicine consultant, who is the clinical service director for winter, said: “Our winter planning involves teams across our hospital, community and primary care services, alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS 24, which all work together to manage the increased demands of winter.

“The main focus of our winter plan is preventing illness, reducing hospital admissions and providing care closer to home. We also want to make sure patients get safely back home as early as possible. So that’s what we’ll be doing, and you can help us with this by making sure that you are also prepared for winter.”

Dr Kinnon added: “A really key part of this is getting as many eligible people vaccinated against flu and COVID as early as possible to help prevent the spread of viruses in our hospitals, healthcare facilities and local communities. It also helps ensure we have enough staff available to manage services during busy periods. So if anyone is eligible and hasn’t yet had their vaccines, please book an appointment or find out about drop-ins at www.vaccinationtayside.scot.nhs.uk.

“You can also make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked with common items like painkillers and cold and flu medicines so that you can look after yourself at home. Please order any repeat prescriptions that you need in plenty of time before the festive period, and remember, GP surgeries will be closed from December 25-28 and from January 1-4, so make sure you know how to get the right care in the right place over the holidays.”

Useful information can be found on NHS Tayside’s dedicated website www.keepwellinwinter.scot.nhs.uk.