Families have been encouraged to prepare for summer-related health conditions – and to understand the best ways of getting the right care in the right place if they need help.
As schools break for the summer holidays this week, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said people should take steps to protect themselves and their children from common conditions like sunburn, food poisoning and bites and stings.
It also highlighted the importance of keeping items like over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit and an ice pack at home to help manage minor cuts, bruises, sprains and strains.
And it issued a reminder for people to pack prescription medications if they are going on holiday, even if they are only away from home for a night or two.
- Medicines – Make sure you have over-the-counter medicines at home for common illnesses including paracetamol or ibuprofen, remedies for bites and stings and antihistamines for allergies.
- First aid – Keep a first aid kit in your home with plasters, bandages and antiseptic wipes for cuts, and an ice pack for minor strains or sprains.
- Sunburn and sunstroke – Always cover up in the sun to protect yourself and your family from burns and heat exhaustion both abroad and on hot days in Scotland and the UK. This includes wearing a high factor sunscreen and appropriate clothing and spending time in the shade.
- Prescriptions – Before heading off on holiday, ensure you pack prescription medicines even if you’re only away for a short time.
- Food poisoning – Barbecuing can lead to food poisoning if it is not done correctly. Ensure meat is cooked thoroughly and evenly, and keep cooked and raw food separate.
For more tips and advice, please visit the NHS Inform website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/summer
Getting the right care in the right place
For those requiring support or medical treatment for non-life threatening conditions, there are a range of services available to help.
Before attending an A&E, check the NHS Inform website or download the NHS 24 app for information on how to treat minor illnesses and injuries at home.
You can also access some services through your GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician.
If you’re not sure about what help you need, call NHS 24 on 111 – they will be able to direct you to the most appropriate service or team for you.
This could include directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit, or by arranging an appointment for you with NHSGGC’s Virtual A&E Flow Navigation Centre.
It is important to note that if you attend A&E and your condition is not life threatening, you may be redirected.
This is to ensure that all patients can receive the best and most appropriate care for their needs.
But please remember – if you think your condition or injury is very urgent or life threatening, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Dr Emilia Crighton, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Director of Public Health, said: “Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy warmer weather and longer days with friends and family, whether that be at home or on holiday abroad.
“We want people to be prepared by ensuring they have any prescription medicines they will need for the duration of their holiday, to protect themselves in the sun, and to keep over the counter remedies at home so they’re able to manage minor ailments.
“For those who do require further support over the summer holiday period, we want people to be aware that there are many services available to them other than emergency departments where their condition is not very urgent or life threatening.
“By using NHS 24’s digital resources and through 111, people who need care can be seen by the most appropriate staff in the most appropriate setting.
“If patients can utilise access to the most appropriate care pathway, it will then help reduce waiting times for the sickest of patients and free up capacity.”
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Ron Cook said: “Summer’s longer days and milder weather is a pleasant season for many of us to enjoy time outdoors.
“This is great for our physical and mental health, but it can also present an entirely different set of health issues compared to the colder months.
“The big benefit of using digital resources like NHS Inform or the NHS 24 online app is that they are available at your convenience, 24 hours a day.
“With a couple of quick taps on your phone, tablet, or computer, you can access quality-assured NHS advice that will provide details on how to safely self manage minor health concerns or how to access the most appropriate service for your needs.
“Whether you have had issues with sunburn or tick bites, or have had to contend with trips, slips, bumps, or bruises – NHS 24 has health info readily available to help you get the summer health advice you need.”