The public has been asked for their ongoing support as details of robust measures to deal with winter pressures have been published.

Members of the South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board (IJB) were updated today on whole system actions in place to contend with the well-publicised pressures of the season across Lanarkshire.

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care, explained that these plans – available to read on the IJB website -  have been prepared well in advance and thanked local residents for their vital support going forward.

“Our health and social care services are currently under significant pressures - including in terms of staffing and resources – and so we appreciate the patience and understanding of the public through what is and will be a demanding period,” said Professor Sengupta.

“As demand grows through the season, we remain committed to prioritising our resources and energies for those who need them most.”

To enable partners – including NHS Lanarkshire and the respective local authorities -  to continue to channel support effectively to the most vulnerable, Professor Sengupta asked the public to be aware of three key areas. The plea comes as a new Winter Health Hub has been launched on NHS Lanarkshire’s website by health and care partners.

 “Firstly, prevention is better than cure and there are many supports and resources for self-care, and we are issuing clear messages throughout the period, including on the Winter Hub.

 “Secondly, planning ahead can help ensure that coughs, colds, and minor ailments don’t become a bigger issue for you and your family over winter. To safeguard yourself and your loved ones this festive season, we urge all eligible individuals who have not yet received their vaccination to visit our drop-in clinics. By getting vaccinated now, you can ensure you and your family are protected in time for Christmas festivities.

 “Having some remedies in the house is a good idea, and knowing where to get help if someone does become unwell is also important, so it’s good to note your GP and pharmacy opening times over the holidays.

 “Thirdly, if you do need us, we’re being very clear about how to use health and social care services appropriately to get the right care at the right place.

 “Please remember, though, whatever route you take to access help – and we’ll help you take the right one - please be kind and patient with our hardworking staff. We will get to you as soon as we can.”

 The Winter Hub has been launched as part of wider public messaging supporting the wider plan taken to the IJB members. The platform is designed to help Lanarkshire residents access a wide range of health care services this winter, including the three areas Professor Sengupta sets out.

Lesley McDonald, Chair of the IJB, added: “IJB members heard of meticulous yet flexible plans to negotiate the complex challenges of the season.

“Reliable, up-to-date and local information is, of course, important for members of the public and The Winter Hub is an excellent resource I’d strongly encourage people to use.”

Ms. McDonald added, “As the business of today’s meeting attests, our leaders, staff, and teams continue to rise to every challenge that arises, which is a testament to their resilience, fortitude, and commitment to the well-being of local people.”

• Residents of Lanarkshire who have yet to receive their flu vaccine or COVID-19 booster can now access one of the ‘drop-in’ clinics at any of our vaccination centres without a prior appointment. For details on the clinic locations and operational times, please visit our website at https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccine-centres/  In anticipation of the festive period, we are facilitating drop-in clinics at all our centres for anyone 12 years of age or older who meets the eligibility criteria, including front-line health and social care workers
• The Winter Hub can be found at: Winter Health Hub (full link: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/your-health/winter-health/)
• People requiring urgent care for a condition that isn’t life-threatening should call NHS 24 on 111 first – day or night – before attending A&E. NHS 24 will assess you by telephone and refer you to the right care, delivered by the right healthcare professional, as close to home as possible. This could include self-care at home or advice on the most appropriate care such as pharmacy, optician, dentist, GP, or minor injuries unit.
• Minor conditions pharmacies can help with include coughs and colds, sore throats, constipation, indigestion, urine infections, minor skin infections, minor eye infections, emergency hormonal contraception, and access to urgent supplies of medication you take regularly that you may have run short of. Please speak to your Pharmacist.
• GP practices in Lanarkshire continue to offer phone, video, and in-person consultations, so anyone with health concerns they believe requires the input of a GP should contact their GP practice.