Talk 24 - Issue 3

 

NHS 24 winter campaign launch

NHS 24’s annual winter health preparedness campaign ‘Healthy Know How’ was launched on Wednesday 29 November 2023 by Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care. 

The campaign reminds people who rely on repeat prescriptions to check they have enough to last over the holidays and to reorder in plenty of time. People are also reminded that GP opening times will be affected by the festive holidays and to make sure they have cold and flu remedies in, just in case.  

Dr Ron Cook, NHS 24’s Associate Medical Director said most winter coughs and colds can be safely and effectively managed at home:

“Roughly a third of the calls to NHS 24’s 111 service result in self-care advice so people can save themselves time by being prepared and, if they do think they need to speak to someone or their symptoms are not improving, they can check our website or app first. It’s important that anyone who relies on regular medication checks they have enough to last the extended holidays – we get a huge number of calls from people who have run out of meds, and no one wants to have to try and find a pharmacy that’s open over the Festive holidays so be prepared to avoid that inconvenience! You should have things like painkillers and cold & flu medicine in the cupboard, just in case. A little preparation can really pay off to make sure that relatively minor health issues don’t cause more of a problem.” 

As part of this year’s campaign NHS 24 is also highlighting the benefits of using NHS digital tools to find accurate and trusted clinical information online for free. By visiting NHS inform or downloading the NHS 24 Online app, people can manage symptoms, find out if they need further health advice, and find health and care services closest to them. 

• Find out more about NHS 24’s winter campaign and download the campaign assets  
• The NHS 24 Online app has recently been updated to include more mental wellbeing symptom checkers and the inclusion of defibrillator locations. Download it for free for iOS and Android devices. 

Annual Review 2023 

The Cabinet Secretary launched the NHS 24’s winter campaign ahead of chairing NHS 24’s Annual Review at Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh. The Annual Review was an opportunity for Mr Matheson and the wider Scottish Government to evaluate NHS 24’s performance and view plans, meet NHS 24 staff, and review the ongoing work to support all NHS services this winter.  

NHS 24’s Chief Executive Jim Miller and Chair of the NHS 24 board Dr Martin Cheyne hosted the public session of the review and assisted with submitted questions from partners and members of the public. Some of the topics covered within the question-and-answer session included information on plans to improve access to NHS 24’s services, length of call protocols, provision of mental health services for young people, and the challenges and opportunities within NHS 24’s corporate strategy.  

• NHS 24's Annual Review is part of our required regular statutory reporting. You can find out more about NHS 24's reports, plans, papers and policies here

Refresh of NHS24.scot

NHS 24 has recently had a successful revamp of our corporate website NHS24.scot. Featuring a refreshed design and updated layout and features, each page has been designed to prioritise user experience, functionality, and accessibility. 

The site includes a host of new and improved sections for patients seeking medical help and for those hoping to learn more about NHS 24 - including sections on how to check symptoms, find a health or care service, details on all of NHS 24’s products and service, careers information, contact details, and news, events and service updates.  

Commenting on the work to refresh NHS24.scot, NHS 24’s Chief Information Officer Ann-Marie Gallacher said:  

“Our new website is part of NHS 24’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the public have easy access to trusted health advice and services. We have created an online platform that is easy to navigate, accessible, and filled with valuable resources to help people make informed healthcare decisions.  

“The improved design of NHS24.scot makes it easy for anyone seeking more information on NHS 24’s products and services, or for those looking for more details on how to work with us.    

“I encourage everyone to take a look at this brilliant new and enhanced online resource to see how NHS 24 can help support you and your loved ones with any healthcare needs.” 

• Take a look at NHS 24’s new website  

Spotlight on Mind to Mind

Mind to Mind is a new resource hosted on NHS inform that offers support to adults in Scotland who may be facing challenges with their mental wellbeing. Devised in partnership with the Wellbeing and Prevention Unit and Mental Health Directorate at the Scottish Government, the web pages cover a variety of topics including anxiety and panic, coping with money worries, handling stress, improving sleep, lifting mood, and moving through grief. Featuring more than 30 videos of individuals talking through their own stories and experiences, Mind to Mind also has advice from a range of health professionals on practical steps to take in improving mental wellbeing, as well as signposting relevant services such as mental health charities and self-help groups to those needing support.  

Featured in one of these videos is Jean, who shares how she manages her anxiety by going for walks in nature and putting her phone on do not disturb. In another clip, Aberdeen GP and NHS 24 Associate Medical Director Dr Khyber Alam gives advice on how to manage a panic attack. 

Stephanie Phillips, Director of Transformation, Strategy, Planning and Performance at NHS 24, said:

“Mind to Mind exemplifies the power of teamwork in fostering mental wellbeing. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, this collaborative effort has created a comprehensive resource that empowers individuals to navigate challenges and enhance their mental health. We look forward to continued joint working to offer choice in compassionate mental health services to the people of Scotland.” 

How you can help: 

• Encourage people in your community to visit Mind to Mind for help with their mental wellbeing 
• Download campaign resources at the Scottish Government’s Marketing Resource Centre