Winter is once again upon us – and NHS Lothian is ensuring that during this busy time, we’re geared up to look after an increased number of patients. NHS Lothian is opening additional hospital beds and expanding clinical and non-clinical services, to help meet the expected rise in demand for services.
A seasonal communications campaign has also been launched to raise awareness of how people can stay healthy and safely treat many common winter illnesses.
The aim is to encourage people with minor ailments to help themselves, thereby helping to reduce unnecessary additional pressures on the NHS and allow local health services to focus their efforts on providing care to those who need it most this winter. The communications campaign, featuring posters and press articles, also aims to ensure the public are aware of how to access NHS Lothian services over the festive season.
Marion Storrie, clinical director, Lothian Unscheduled Care Services (LUCS), said: “It is vital that the public are aware of the availability of NHS services over the festive period. Some local services will be closed for a short duration at Christmas and New Year and this is why we are making people aware of alternative healthcare arrangements.
“NHS Lothian strives at all times to cater for the needs of its patients, especially during the winter months, when the risk of illness is higher. We would also advise the public to take extra care of themselves at this time, which will help avoid any unnecessary pressure on local health services.”