Do you know which NHS services are open?

The Festive Guide to Your Health Services booklet is distributed across GP surgeries, health centres, clinics, pharmacies, dentists and opticians.

Vital information covered includes the opening hours of pharmacies throughout the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and advice on how to access a GP when surgeries are closed.

The guide also reminds the public that four Minor Injury Units (MIUs) operate at the New Victoria Hospital, New Stobhill Hospital, West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital and the Vale of Leven Hospital between 9am-9pm throughout the holidays. These are suitable for a range of minor physical injuries for adults and children aged five and over.

Contact information regarding the wide range of out-of-hours services including those staffed by GPs is also comprehensively covered.

Dr Emilia Crighton, NHSGGC’s Interim Director of Public Health, said: “GP and dental surgeries close for the two public holidays at Christmas and again at New Year, however a range of other health services remain open.

“Many common ailments, such as colds and flu or stomach upsets, can be treated by local pharmacists providing the appropriate help.

Through a few simple steps the spread of the virus can be limited: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food. Do not share towels and flannels. Disinfect anything that could be contaminated with the virus using a bleach-based cleaner. Wash any clothing or bedding that has become soiled seperately on a hot wash to kill the virus. Flush away any infected faeces or vomit in the toilet. For those who don’t manage to pick up a copy of the brochure, the information from the brochure can be accessed by clicking onto www.nhsggc.org.uk/knowwhototurnto.

Those on long-term medication are also asked to plan ahead as part of this year’s Be Health-Wise This Winter campaign.

John McAnaw, NHS24’s head of pharmacy, said: “We should all have things like paracetamol, ibuprofen and rehydration salts to hand. However, it is really important that people who rely on repeat prescriptions check what they have, and make sure they have enough to cover the festive holidays.

“The last date for ordering this year is Friday, December 18 to be sure of having your medicines before Christmas.”