07 Apr 2025
Spring into a healthier Easter with NHS 24
As the Easter bunny is getting ready to deliver Easter treats up and down the country, NHS 24 is urging patients in Scotland to prioritise health during the holiday weekend.
NHS 24 has launched its spring public health campaign which promotes NHS inform - a clinically approved online resource for health and care information.
Dr Siama Latif, NHS 24’s associate medical director, highlights the convenience of digital resources:
“NHS inform is an online health resource offering a wealth of information specific to patients in Scotland. The great thing about NHS inform is it is easy and convenient to use. Instead of having to call the NHS 24's 111 service for minor health issues, you can quickly find the information you need online, anytime, and anywhere. This not only saves you time but also helps free up the phone lines for those who need urgent care.”
The Easter weekend is always busy for NHS 24, as patients often turn to 111 when other services, such as GPs or pharmacies, are closed for the public holidays.
Dr Latif continues:
“Our advice these Easter holidays is to be aware and be prepared.
“Be aware that many GPs and pharmacies are likely to have amended opening hours over the Easter weekend. If you rely on prescription medicine, review how much you have now. If you are likely to need more over the holiday weekend - order it now and remember to pick it up well in advance of any GP or pharmacy closures.
“You should also be prepared to deal with common illnesses. Viruses such as colds, flu, and sickness bugs still circulate in spring, so make sure you have remedies and painkillers available at home to help with symptoms.”
With more people spending time outdoors due to the longer days and milder weather, NHS 24 tends to see an increase in minor injury calls at this time of year. As a result, their spring campaign also advises the public to check what is in their first aid kit. Supplies such as plasters, bandages, and antiseptic wipes should be readily available to treat small cuts, scrapes, burns, and sprains.
Dr Latif concludes:
"Remember, NHS inform should be your number one source for reliable, NHS-approved advice. Support our NHS services and access the right care in the right place this spring by choosing NHS inform.”
- View NHS 24’s spring health advice by visiting the NHS inform campaign page.
Contact Information
Gillian Morrison
Communications Manager - External
NHS 24
gillian.morrison@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk
- During office hours: NHS24.hqcommunications@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk (NHS 24 Communications Team)
- Out of hours: 0330 123 3241 (duty press officer)
About us
We are Scotland’s provider of digital and telephone-based health and care services. Our services include:
- 111 – providing urgent care triage for anyone who thinks they need A&E, but it is not life or limb threatening, support for those in mental health distress and advice when their GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed.
- NHSinform.scot - Scotland's online health information service that offers quality assured health and care information including - Symptom checker, Scotland’s Service Directory and Mental health advice and resources.
- Breathing Space a free and confidential phone and web chat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety.
- Care Information Scotland (CIS) a phone, webchat and website service providing information about care services for people living in Scotland.
- Quit Your Way Scotland an advice and support service for anyone trying to stop smoking in Scotland.
- Living Life a phone service that offers support to people in Scotland who are experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression or symptoms of anxiety through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
NHS 24 Online app
Our app ‘NHS 24 Online’ provides people in Scotland an additional channel to find out more about their symptoms, how to safely self-manage illnesses and conditions, and when and where to see further medical advice if required. NHS 24 Online is free and can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices.
Social media
For more details on our services, including current campaigns and recruitment, have a look at our social media: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn
Recruitment
For all applicants hoping to join the organisation, our careers section of our website provides key information including:
- links to current vacancies
- videos of staff discussing their roles
- details of the recruitment process
- benefits of working for NHS 24 and top tips for a successful application.
Accessibility
Work is continually ongoing to ensure our services are accessible.
You can access 111 in diverse ways:
- Language Line - If English is not your first or preferred language, you can use the free interpretation service Language Line.
- British Sign Language (BSL) - If you use BSL, you can use the free BSL interpreting video relay service Contact Scotland BSL.
- Relay UK. - If you use a textphone you can contact NHS 24 on 18001 111. Or you can contact NHS 24 with the Relay UK app.
NHS inform provides health information online in 24 different languages, British Sign Language (BSL), Audio, Easy Read, and Large Print. For more information on this see: nhsinform.scot/translations/
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