NHS Highland redesigns unscheduled care
The way the public access urgent care is changing, says NHS Highland.
"The change will ensure people get the right care in the right place and to keep people and the NHS safe this winter," a spokesperson said today.
"From now on, if you think you need to visit a hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department, and you are concerned about something which is not life-threatening, there is a new way to get the help."
NHS 24 telephone service on 111 will be available day or night to assess people’s needs and direct the public to the right service for them.
"During normal opening hours you should still call your GP Practice for urgent care, or get help online help from a wide range of information and resources on NHS inform.
"This will help you to get the right care in the right place, which could well be closer to home and without the need to travel to A&E.
"In emergencies, you should continue to call 999 or go directly to A&E."
Dr Boyd Peters, NHS Highland’s medical director, explained: “As a result of the global pandemic, the way we provide services has had to change. This is so that we can keep our communities and the NHS safe. As we move into the busy winter period, this is more important than ever.
“From now on, if you think you need to visit A&E, but it is not life-threatening, call NHS 24 on 111.
“The NHS24 telephone service is available – day and night – to direct you to the service you need, often closer to home and without the need to travel to A&E. This could include self-care, GP, pharmacy, minor injuries or a referral for clinical assessment.
“If you still need to attend A&E following this assessment, you will be given a safe time for this to happen.”
Those in need are asked to:
use the NHS inform website to access advice on common symptoms, guidance
for self-help and where to go if further medical care is needed
contact their local GP practice during the day for an appointment or over the
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phone advice
use the NHS 24 telephone service on 111 day or night if they think they need A&E but it is not life-threatening
use the NHS 24 111 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space telephone helpline to access mental health advice and guidance
use NHS 24 111 service and NHS inform out of hours when too ill to wait for their GP Practice to open, or for worsening symptoms of COVID-19; and
use NHS 24 telephone service 111 for non-life threatening but painful injuries, such as a deep cut, a broken or sprained ankle or a painful burn injury to get an appointment at the local minor injuries unit.