As NHS Forth Valley prepares for very high levels of demand during the busy winter period, local people are being encouraged to plan ahead to help stay as healthy as possible.

• Organise prescriptions – order only what you need in plenty of time before the start of the festive period to make sure you don’t run out. Be prepared for common winter illnesses like colds and flu and have medicines to hand at home.
• Use the symptom checkers and self-help guides on NHS Inform if you or a family member becomes unwell for health advice and to help you get the right care, in the right place as quickly as possible. You can also phone the NHS Inform helpline on 0800 22 44 88 (Mon – Fri from 08.00 to 18.00) for advice.
• The Minor Injuries Unit at Stirling Health and Care Village will remain open every day over the winter period, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. It can treat adults and children over the age of one for a wide range of minor injuries, including cuts and grazes, minor burns, sprains and strains. It can also arrange X-rays for potentially broken bones, People are advised to phone NHS 24 on 111 before attending the MIU for advice or to arrange an appointment so you don’t need to wait to be seen.
• Get vaccinated if you are eligible – winter vaccinations currently being offered can top up your protection against severe illness from flu and Covid-19. Details of local vaccination clinics and pharmacies offering vaccinations are available on the NHS Forth Valley website nhsforthvalley.com/vaccines You can also book an appointment on the national booking portal on NHS Inform or phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.
• Visit your Pharmacy First – for health advice and free treatment for a range of common conditions without a GP prescription. These include coughs, sore throats, blocked or runny nose, urine infections, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea and indigestion. Details of local pharmacy opening hours during the festive period can be found on the Winter Zone of the NHS Forth Valley website nhsforthvalley.com/winter

In addition, this year two local pharmacies will open on Sundays over the winter period as part of a new pilot project. Woodside Pharmacy in Doune and Right Medicine Pharmacy in Bridge of Allan will open 10.00-17.00 on Sunday 15, 22, 29 December 2024 and on Sunday 5, 12 and 19 January 2025.

Both pharmacists working within these pharmacies are experienced independent prescribers and able to provide advice and treatment for a wider range of clinical conditions including chest infections, sore ears, sore throats, sinusitis and many other common health issues that would often require an appointment at a GP practice.

NHS Forth Valley’s Medical Director, Andrew Murray, said: “Winter is always a very busy time for local health and care services, and we are therefore asking local people to take a few simple steps to ensure they are prepared in the run up to the festive period.

“I’d also encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible as this is the best way to protect you and your family from becoming seriously unwell from flu or Covid-19.”