Winter is a very busy time for the NHS, especially over the festive season. Please help by only attending the Emergency Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital if you have a serious illness or injury. Details of other health services and support available are listed below.

Minor injuries, illnesses, and urgent healthcare advice - Call 111
Call NHS 24 first on 111 day or night for:

• healthcare advice
• a telephone or video consultation with a local healthcare professional
• a priority appointment so you don’t have to wait if you need to be seen at our Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Care Centre

Local Pharmacy Services & Festive Opening Times
Your local pharmacy is the first place you should go for advice and treatment for many common winter illnesses including coughs, colds, sore throats and upset stomachs. 

If you run out of your usual medicines or dressings your pharmacist may also be able to arrange an urgent supply. 

Pharmacists can also offer advice and free treatment for a number of different common conditions, such as urine infections, conjunctivitis, a number of skin complaints, skin infections and thrush without the need for a GP prescription as part of the national Pharmacy First scheme. 

A number of pharmacies across Forth Valley will be open for periods of time on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and 2nd January 2022. 

GP Practice Services
General Practices are open and available for your health and wellbeing needs, but they are continuing to work differently as a result of COVID-19. A wider range of healthcare staff are now working in many GP practices, including physiotherapists and mental health nurses and you can book appointments to see or speak to them direct. Ask your local Practice for details.

GP Practices will be closed on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th Dec 2021 and Monday 3rd January and Tuesday 4th January 2022. If you need help or advice before your GP Practice reopens call NHS 24 on 111 for or visit NHS Inform 

Protect Yourself and Others

• Get the COVID-19 vaccine/vaccine booster.  Every vaccination provides protection for yourself and others and as more people are vaccinated, the more we’ll protect our communities. Please arrange to get your flu (if eligible) and COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible. To find out more and to book an appointment visit NHS Inform 
• Take regular lateral flow tests – especially before and after mixing with people from other households e.g. going to a pub, restaurant or visiting someone’s house.  Doing regular lateral flow tests helps to stop the spread of COVID-19. They’re available at testing centres, local pharmacies and online. Please make sure you report the results – whether positive, negative or void – which only takes a few minutes. 
• If you have symptoms - self-isolate and book a PCR test.  Even if COVID-19 symptoms are mild, you still need to self-isolate and book a PCR test immediately. Doing this helps to protect your family, friends, and those most at risk. 
• Limit the number of contacts you have - with other households, avoid crowded places and wear a face covering, where required
• Wash your hands/ use sanitiser regularly 
• Cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing
• Open windows in cars, at home and at work to improve ventilation 
• Work from home, if possible

Visit www.gov.scot/coronavirus for the latest COVID-19 information and advice.   

Winter Zone
Visit the Winter Zone on our website for more health information, advice, and useful links.