NHS Forth Valley is urging the public to ensure they access the Right Care in the Right Place over the upcoming Easter holiday weekend, as demand for services is expected to be high across hospital, social care, primary care, and community health services.

With GP practices closed for two days over the Easter weekend on Good Friday (18 April) and Easter Monday (21 April), people are advised to check their supply of prescription medications in advance. A number of local pharmacies across Forth Valley will remain open during the public holidays, including Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. Pharmacies can offer healthcare advice and treatment for a range of common health conditions and, through the Pharmacy First scheme, can provide free treatment for many conditions without the need for a GP prescription. These include urinary tract infections, conjunctivitis, skin conditions (such as eczema, dermatitis, and insect bites), skin infections, and thrush.

To find out which local pharmacies are open over the Easter period, visit the Info Zone on NHS Forth Valley’s website at www.nhsforthvalley.com/infozone for further details.

For urgent health concerns when GP practices are closed, people should call NHS 24 on 111. NHS 24 can provide medical advice, arrange consultations with local healthcare professionals, and help with access to out-of-hours GP services or the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).

The Minor Injuries Unit at Stirling Health and Care Village will remain open every day during the Easter holiday period, including Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. The MIU can treat both adults and children over the age of one for cuts, grazes, minor burns, sprains, strains, minor eye and ear injuries, and can also arrange X-rays and treat broken bones such as broken wrists or ankles. Patients are encouraged to call NHS 24 on 111 before attending the MIU, as speaking with a healthcare professional beforehand may help avoid unnecessary travel or allow for an appointment to be made, reducing wait times.

The Emergency Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital is available for patients with serious illnesses and injuries requiring urgent, emergency care, such as suspected heart attacks, strokes, and breathing difficulties. Anyone with non-life-threatening health concerns should call NHS 24 on 111 for advice or treatment, rather than attending the Emergency Department.