With a few simple steps, you can take care of yourself and your family this spring

• Check your repeat prescription, order only what you need, in plenty of time.
• Know how to treat common illnesses at home.
• Visit NHS Inform for health information and advice including common symptoms and self-help guides 
• If you need to talk to a healthcare professional it’s important that you get the right care in the right place, which could be your local pharmacy, your GP or by calling 111.

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Pharmacy Services

Under a scheme called Pharmacy First, they can also provide treatment, free of charge, without the need for a prescription for a wide range of health conditions. These include urine infections, skin infections, shingles,  conjunctivitis, thrush and eczema. Pharmacists can also provide free treatment and advice for minor skin conditions  such as dermatitis and allergic reactions to insect bites, an initial three-month supply of the progestogen-only pill as well as emergency contraception.

Pharmacy Opening Times on May Public Holiday

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Minor injuries, illnesses or urgent health advice

Visit NHS Inform or call NHS 24 on 111 for:

• Healthcare advice
• Information on many common symptoms and advice on what to do
• A telephone or video consultation with a local healthcare professional
• An appointment at our Minor Injuries Unit so you don’t have to wait if you need to be seen

For more information, including the wide range of injuries which can be treated at our Minor Injuries Unit, see our Guide to Local Services.

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Dental Services

If you’re experiencing dental problems such as tooth pain, swollen or bleeding gums, or an injury to your mouth, your local dental practice should be the first place you contact. If you are not currently registered with a dentist and require urgent dental advice you can contact NHS Forth Valley’s Dental Helpline on 01324 614670  (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6.00pm) or during evenings, weekends and public holidays contact NHS 24 on 111 for advice.

For more information visit NHS Inform or see the Dental Service section of our Guide to Local Services.

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GP Practice Services

If you have a minor injury or require urgent healthcare advice but it’s not something life-threatening visit NHS Inform for advice or call NHS 24 on 111 (day or night) to access the right advice and care as quickly as possible. NHS 24 can also arrange for you to speak to a local healthcare professional (via telephone or a video consultation) or arrange an appointment for you to be seen at a local healthcare centre or hospital so you don’t need to wait when you attend. You can also arrange to see a wider range of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, mental health nurses and advanced nurse practitioners, at your local GP Practice. More information is available on the GP Practice Team section of the Guide to Local Services.

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Optometrist (Eye Care Services)

If you’re experiencing eye problems such as a red or sticky eye, blurred vision, or flashes and floaters, please contact your optometrist who will be able to assist you.

For more information visit NHS Inform or see the Eye Problems section of our Guide to Local Services.

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Mental Health Support

If you’re in need of mental health support, you can contact your General Practice, or call NHS 24 on 111.

You can also call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87, open Monday – Thursday 6pm to 2am and weekends Friday 6pm to Monday 6am.

For more information visit our Mental Health & Wellbeing section.

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Tick Bites

Ticks are small, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. They vary in size, usually between 1mm to 1cm long. They have either 6 or 8 legs. Tick season is usually between March and October but it may last longer. This is because wet weather and warmer temperatures make ticks active for longer in the year.

You can find information on NHS inform about how to prevent tick bites and what to do if you are bitten.