NHS Forth Valley is reminding people how to access health advice and treatment ahead of the October half term public holiday on Monday 14^th October 2024.

Anyone who takes regular prescribed medication should check they have adequate supplies as most local GP practices will be closed on Monday 14 October 2024. However, a number of local pharmacists across Forth Valley will be open on the public holiday to promote healthcare advice and treatment for many common health conditions. Under a national scheme called Pharmacy First, local pharmacists are also able to provide free treatment for a wide range of common health conditions without a GP prescription. These include urine infections, conjunctivitis, skin conditions (such as eczema, dermatitis and reactions to insect bites) skin infections and thrush.

Details of local pharmacy opening times on Monday 14 October are available on the Info Zone of NHS Forth Valley’s website www.nhsforthvalley.com/infozone

Anyone requiring urgent health advice when their GP practice is closed should call NHS 24 on 111 as they can provide advice, arrange a consultation with a local healthcare professional or organise an appointment for you to be seen at a local GP out-of-hours centre or Minor Injuries Unit.

The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Stirling Health and Care Village can treat adults and children over the age of one for cuts and grazes, minor burns, sprains and strains. It can also help with minor eye and ear injuries, arrange X-rays and treat broken bones, including broken ankles and wrists. People should phone NHS 24 on 111 before attending the MIU so they can speak direct to a local healthcare professional. This may avoid the need to travel to the Unit or enable them to arrange an appointment, so they don’t need to wait to be seen when they attend.

The Emergency Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital is there to treat patients with serious illnesses and injuries, like suspected heart attacks, strokes and breathing difficulties, who require emergency care. Anyone with a non-life-threatening injury or illness, who requires urgent healthcare or advice, should call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, to access advice and treatment as quickly as possible.

More information on local health services can be found on the Info Zone of NHS Forth Valley’s website: www.nhsforthvalley.com/infozone.