Humza Yousaf launches NHS 24 campaign ahead of 'challenging' winter
The Health Secretary says the NHS faces its 'most challenging' winter yet.
Last updated 25th Nov 2022
Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has launched NHS 24’s winter campaign to help ease pressure during what he described as the health services "most challenging" winter yet.
The Healthy Know How winter campaign, which urges the public to include health as part of their festive preparations, was launched today at NHS 24's newest contact centre in Hillington, Glasgow.
It is hoped that by following tips and advice provided by the campaign, people will be able to enjoy the festivities without having to seek healthcare unless it is urgent.
The tips include keeping up to date with prescriptions, ensuring you have the right medicine on hand to deal with any illnesses, and knowing how to check your symptoms if you become unwell.
Mr Yousaf said: “"This is going to be the most challenging winter for our health service, and a lot of the ailments for which people access out-of-hours care can be easily managed at home.
"NHS 24's 111 service is always busy over the holiday period, but roughly a third of calls to 111 result in safe, self-care advice at home.
"If this campaign can encourage people to care for common seasonal conditions at home, that will leave our frontline services free to help those with more serious conditions.”
It comes as the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care has faced the threat of industrial action across the entire country from NHS nurses and the ambulance service.
Strikes were due to begin today but were suspended after another ‘final’ pay offer of an average 7.5 percent wage rise for all its staff.
Unison have recommended their members accept the offer, while GMB Union expressed their disappointment for it, and RCN members weigh up their options.
However, there’s been concern from nurses that the current pay offer isn’t fair as only the lowest paid workers will get the highest increase.
Speaking with Forth 1, Humza Yousaf said the pay offer will help all staff through the cost of living crisis and there is no more money to offer.
He said: “This is the final offer. When we put this on the table for trade unions, we said ‘If you want to divide up the total £515 million pot, then we are open to that.
“I make no apologies to the fact we give a slightly higher increase to those who are the lowest paid. I think they are the ones who will be hit the hardest. The porters, the cleaners and the health care support workers.
It doesn’t mean other people aren’t going to be affected. Hence why the uplift is a 7.5 % increase. A better pay deal for NHS staff across the UK isn’t on the table. This is the best one.”