An army of helpful and willing staff will be giving up time with their families on Christmas Day to ensure anyone suffering urgent dental problems will get the treatment they need.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Out of Hours Dental Service swings into action when other dental practices are closed – and the Christmas and New Year holidays are no exception.
On Christmas Day, there will be 24 of them in all – eight dentists and 16 dental nurses – giving up their free time to ensure others don’t need to suffer unnecessarily.
The Out of Hours Dental Service runs 365 days a year, offering emergency treatment to people in pain or experiencing urgent dental conditions. And the staff who do the work – the majority of whom are high street dentists and dental nurses – come in on evenings, weekends and public holidays to keep the service running.
The service is open Monday to Friday from 7-10pm, and weekends and public holidays from 10am-4.30pm. On Christmas Day the service will run from 10am-1pm.
Lee Savarrio, Chief of Dentistry with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, thanked the staff for their help this festive period.
He said: “Throughout the year, people work in their spare time to deliver this important service – it is not part of a staff rota but relies entirely on the goodwill of staff.
“The fact that so many are prepared to give up their spare time to help others even on Christmas Day speaks volumes for their commitment and professionalism, and it’s something I and all the team here are NHSGGC are extremely grateful for.
“So if you are experiencing significant dental pain, or you have any urgent dental need, please don’t suffer in silence. To access the Out of Hours Dental Service, all you have to do it call NHS 24 on 111, select the dental option and you will receive help.”
The service only provides help for urgent dental conditions, but people are urged to call 111 even if they’re not sure. Even if you are not referred to the Out of Hours Service, you will receive advice on self-care and help available locally.
Community pharmacies offer a range of healthcare services and will be able to help with issues such as minor pain, and over the festive holidays – even on Christmas Day – dozens will be open to make sure people can access help if they need it.
For details of the community pharmacies open near you over the festive period, go to the NHSGGC website here: Pharmacy Opening Hours – Christmas 23/24 – NHSGGC
The Out of Hours Dental Service is among a range of help available by calling 111, and it is an important part of a number of services available to people throughout NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
NHSGGC has just launched a campaign to give people the information they need to know where to go this winter. In fact, accessing the care you need is as easy as ABC:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Informor download the NHS24 app.
NHS Inform and the NHS24 app giving advice and information on countless illnesses and conditions, tests and treatments, vaccinations, self-care and much more.
They offer symptom checkers, self-help guides and directories of services available throughout the country, and should be the first port of call for anyone looking for information on a minor illness or injury, from the comfort of their own home.
Be aware: There is help right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services.
Most GP surgeries offer so much more than an appointment with a doctor. A simple phone call can give you access to services including virtual consultations, physiotherapy, health screening and vaccinations, and mental health support.
Pharmacists are trained to offer help and advice for many illnesses and conditions, and you’ll also be able to use their extensive prescribing services – which means access to healthcare, without an appointment and while you wait.
Along with other community-based services such as opticians and dentists, which can offer expert help with a range of eye-related and oral conditions respectively, it always pays to familiarise yourself with the care available right on your doorstep.
- Over the festive period, these services may not be available. If that is the case, and you feel you cannot wait, check the NHSGGC website for more details, or call NHS24 on 111 and they will be able to get you the help you need.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need
NHS24 is the national helpline that allows you to access a range of services – including the Out of Hours Dental Service. If you think a condition or injury is urgent, or if you’re not sure where to go and need advice, all you have to do is call 111.
There you will be given access to NHSGGC’s Virtual A&E, or Flow Navigation Centre, where trained clinicians will talk you through your condition and make sure you get the help you need.
Unless it’s an emergency, think A,B,C before going to A&E.
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.
For more information on the best ways to access care, go to the NHSGGC website
