NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is encouraging people to take some simple steps to stay well, prepare for the colder months and know where to turn if they need healthcare.
From checking medicines and preparing for public holiday closures to taking up vaccination offers and knowing when to use A&E, a little planning now can make things easier when winter illnesses and injuries strike.
Keep healthcare essentials at home
Check you have basic healthcare supplies to help manage illnesses and injuries at home. This could include:
- Pain relief, such as paracetamol.
- Over-the-counter medicines suitable for you and your family.
- Tissues.
- Plasters, bandages and basic first-aid supplies.
- A thermometer.
Always follow the instructions provided with medicines and speak to your pharmacist if you’re unsure what is suitable for you.
Get vaccinated if you’re eligible
The 2026/27 flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes are under way. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive information about your appointment or how to book. Eligibility is reviewed each year, so check the latest guidance to find out which vaccinations you’re eligible for.
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu. If you do catch flu after being vaccinated, symptoms are likely to be milder and not last as long.
Find out more about winter vaccinations via the NHSGGC website and NHS Inform.
Know how to manage common illnesses and injuries
Common illnesses and injuries don’t require a trip to A&E.
Most coughs, colds and sore throats can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol. Minor urinary symptoms can often be discussed with a local pharmacist or GP, while many common eye problems can be assessed by a high-street optician.
Minor sprains and strains can often be managed at home. If you think you need A&E for ankle, wrist or forearm injuries, but you’re not sure, and your GP is closed, call NHS 24 on 111 for an appointment at a Minor Injuries Unit to assess.
Find out more about how to manage common illnesses and injuries via the NHSGGC website.
Know where to turn
Knowing your healthcare options before you need them can make it easier to access the right support.
Depending on your symptoms, help may be available through self-care at home, your local pharmacy, your GP, your optician, or your dentist.
NHS 24 on 111 can provide advice on urgent healthcare needs. Call 111 if you think you need A&E but it’s not life or limb threatening, if you need support with mental health distress, or if you need urgent care and your GP practice, pharmacy or dental practice is closed. Visit the NHS 24 website for more on when to dial 111.
The NHS Inform website also provides information about symptoms and a service directory to help people find local pharmacies, GPs, opticians and other healthcare services.
Plan ahead for public holidays
Pharmacies, GP practices, and other NHS services will have different opening times over public holidays, including Christmas and New Year. When the information is available:
- Check the opening times for your GP practice and local pharmacy.
- Order and collect repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.
- Make sure you have enough of your regular medication to cover periods when services may be closed.
- Know where to turn if you need healthcare advice when your usual service is unavailable.
Know when to use A&E
A&E is there for life- or limb-threatening emergencies. If you think it’s an emergency, call 999 or go straight to A&E.
Signs that urgent help may be needed include serious breathing difficulties, signs of a stroke, severe pain, loss of consciousness, badly deformed or visible bone injuries, heavy bleeding, seizures or becoming poorly responsive.
Call 111 if:
- you think you need A&E but it’s not life or limb threatening
- you need support with mental health distress
- you need urgent care and your GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed.
A little preparation can go a long way
Dr Claire Harrow, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services at NHSGGC, said: “A little preparation now can make a real difference when you or someone in your family becomes unwell this winter.
“Having some basic healthcare supplies at home, taking up your vaccination offer if you’re eligible and knowing how to manage common illnesses and injuries can all help.
“It’s also important to know where to turn if you do need support. There are a number of services available across Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and A&E should always be there for people who have a life- or limb-threatening illness or injury.”
Fraser McJannett, Director of Primary Care and GP Out of Hours at NHSGGC, said: “Winter is a good time to think ahead, particularly during the Christmas and New Year holidays when some services may have different opening hours. Check any regular medication you rely on and make sure you order and collect prescriptions in good time.
“It’s also worth knowing what support is available locally. Your community pharmacy, GP and other Primary Care services can help with a wide range of health concerns, while NHS 24 on 111 is there if you need urgent advice.
“Being prepared and knowing your options can make it much easier to get the right help when you need it.”
