First Minister urges Scots to go online for medical help this winter

First Minister John Swinney is encouraging more Scots to go online for medical help in a bid to ease pressure on the health service during the “traditionally very challenging” winter period.

Noting that NHS 24 data shows that a quarter of calls to 111 could be dealt with online, Swinney said that the health service was “encouraging more people to take advantage of its digital self-help guides for faster, more convenient care”.

And the First Minister added that going online for help “can help ensure our frontline services can focus on those who need urgent care”.

The Scottish Government said it had already recruited a record number of call handlers, along with additional clinical supervisors, to help bolster the NHS 24 service this winter.

But the new winter campaign is highlighting how digital resources such as the NHS inform website and symptom checkers on the NHS 24 Online app can help provide advice.

Swinney, speaking as he visited the NHS 24 call centre in Dundee to observe preparations for over Christmas and new year, said: “The festive period is traditionally very challenging for the NHS. The resilience and determination shown by staff in the face of pressures; both at NHS 24 and across the wider health and care sector is truly inspiring.

“NHS 24 data shows that a quarter of calls to 111 can be resolved online, and the service is encouraging more people to take advantage of its digital self-help guides for faster, more convenient care.”

Meanwhile, NHS 24 medical director Dr Ron Cook stated: “Our digital services use the same clinical advice people get if they call NHS 24 and offer a great first option when people are unwell and are not sure if they need to seek further help.

“We are advising patients to save time and look after symptoms safely and effectively at home by using NHS inform or the NHS 24 Online app’s symptom checkers, which will give clinically assured health advice on a wide range of conditions including coughs, rashes, stomach bugs, or back pain.”

Dr Cook told Scots: “By checking symptoms online, this will give advice on how best to manage your condition or what to do next if further help is required.”

As part of the Right Care, Right Place campaign, people are being advised to visit www.nhs24.scot for advice on minor illnesses and injuries.

Medics stress people should call 111 when they have “urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns” and should “always” call 999 in an emergency.