HEALTH MATTERS: Dr Boyd Peters discusses the unique challenges faced by the NHS this winter, heightened by the Covid-19 pandemic
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Every winter is a challenging time for our NHS across the country, and this year is no different.
The rising Covid-19 cases over the last few weeks have placed even more pressure on our health and social care services.
It has been another challenging 12 months for every one of our dedicated colleagues working across Highland, and some of them will be having a well-deserved break over the festive period.
However, the NHS does not stop for a Christmas break – and many of our colleagues will be working as normal over the holidays.
We can all do our bit to reduce the pressure on our NHS by seeking the Right Care in the Right Place for our health needs.
There has been a lot of media coverage on how busy emergency departments across Scotland are just now, and we are no different here.
We remain open 24/7 for emergencies, such as a suspected heart attack or stroke, and we always prioritise those patients with the greatest clinical need. This may mean that some patients are often waiting longer than we would like.
If you go directly to our emergency department and it is not the most appropriate place for your care, we will safely direct you to a more appropriate service.
We have a range of services across NHS Highland which can help patients with minor illness or injuries and prevent unnecessary long waits in the emergency department.
Community pharmacies across our area should be your first stop if you have a minor illness such as a cold, upset stomach or general aches and pains.
If you are registered with a GP practice in Scotland, you can use the Pharmacy First service at any NHS pharmacy. This service offers advice, treatment or referrals to other healthcare teams if required. You can find details of your nearest pharmacy on our website.
General Practices are open and available for your health and wellbeing needs, however they will be working differently as a result of Covid-19. Some practices may also be closed over the festive period. Please check with your practice if they are closed over the holidays.
If you think you need emergency care, NHS 24 is available by calling 111. NHS 24 can also help if your GP or dental practice is closed and you cannot wait until they re-open.
The NHS Inform website provides accurate and reliable information to help you make informed decisions about your health needs.
It includes advice and information on how to manage common symptoms such as fever and vomiting and also has symptom checkers to let you know where to go if you need further medical care.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on mental health. We know the benefits of face-to-face clinical appointments, and we offer these when it is clinically appropriate to do so.
Our clinical teams offer support to patients via NHS Near Me, and this has been a great support to many people over the course of lockdown and beyond.
Over the festive period, a range of support services are available online and by telephone. Please contact NHS 24 for urgent support. Services such as Breathing Space are also available.
Further information on where to access the right medical care is available at www.nhsinform.scot/right-care
Please do not present to any healthcare setting if you, or anyone you live with, has tested positive for Covid-19 or have any symptoms. If you have symptoms, self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test.
Finally, I want to thank all of our staff and volunteers for their efforts during this extremely difficult period. Covid-19 has changed how we deliver services and the pressures this has placed on our health and social care colleagues cannot be overstated.
They have risen to each of these challenges to ensure patients receive high-quality care across Highland each and every day.
I cannot thank them enough for everything they do for us and our families.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and all the best for 2022.
• Dr Boyd Peters is medical director at NHS Highland.
