NHS D&G Public Health

06/01/2026

Be careful if travelling

With very icy conditions currently affecting parts of Dumfries and Galloway, we are urging people to take extra care when out and about, particularly on pavements, paths and untreated surfaces.

Slips and falls on ice can cause serious injuries and, at present, even relatively minor injuries can add to pressure on health services. Our Emergency Departments are currently extremely busy, reflecting wider pressures across the health and social care system. These pressures have continued into the New Year and have increased further, despite the recent easing of respiratory illness levels.

We are asking everyone to take simple steps to reduce the risk of injury where possible. This includes allowing extra time for journeys, wearing appropriate footwear, using handrails where available, and avoiding unnecessary trips in icy conditions.

When walking on icy surfaces, winter safety guidance often advises people to “walk like a penguin” — taking slow, short, flat-footed steps, keeping your centre of gravity over your feet, and keeping your hands free — to help maintain balance and reduce the risk of slipping.

Taking extra care during icy conditions can help keep you and others safe. Anyone who is seriously injured or requires urgent medical attention should always seek help. Being cautious not only helps protect your wellbeing, it also reduces pressure on health services at a very challenging time so as to provide help that is vitally needed.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

05/01/2026

Back to school is a good reminder to take extra care around traffic in the dark. The books are free and cover themes like crossing the road 🚸 and wearing a helmet when cycling or scooting to and from school 🚲

ELCs and P1 teachers can order the books here ➡️ bit.ly/ziggy-order

05/01/2026

At this time of year, the low lying sun can have an impact on your vision when driving:
🖐 Be prepared to slow down
🚗 Be prepared for others to be driving slowly
🌫️ Drive to the conditions
❄️Keep your windscreen clean and clear
🫵 Always defrost your vehicle before driving.

05/01/2026

02/01/2026

To prevent the spread of flu, we continue to recommend regular handwashing and advise people with symptoms of respiratory illness to stay off work or school until you’re feeling better.

There’s still time to protect yourself if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine this winter.🎄

Drop in clinics are in many areas. Find out more at nhsinform.scot/flu

02/01/2026

NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub is open to all ages. If you are in Scotland and have an urgent mental health need, there's support available to get you the right care in the right place. 💙

Find out more about NHS 24's mental health services: https://nhs24.info/mental-health-services

02/01/2026

SilverCloud is a digital, on-demand mental health and wellbeing platform that gives you a private, judgement-free space that focuses solely on helping you fe...

02/01/2026

We’re very excited to announce that United to Prevent Suicide’s first national get-together will be taking place on Saturday 21 March 2026.

Join us in person or online for a day of building connections, learning opportunities, creative expression and deciding the future of our movement together.

We’ll be opening full registration in the new year. Save the date!

02/01/2026

Stay safe outdoors in winter ❄️

During the colder months, it can be fun to get outdoors and stay active. Here are our top tips to stay safe when heading out in cold weather:

🔹 Wrap up well - It's the season for cosy layers! Wear gloves and a hat as well as layers to protect yourself from the cold.

🔹 Take it slow and steady – Be aware that some pavements and roads may be icy.

🔹 Watch your step - Wear shoes with good grip to navigate slippery paths and avoid falls.

🔹 Stay off ice on frozen waterways – Its thickness can be deceptive, and the water can be extremely cold and deep. Make sure children are aware of the potential dangers.

For more tips on staying healthy in cold weather, visit NHS inform 🔽
nhsinform.scot/cold-weather

02/01/2026

📢 IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ.

The 2nd of January is one of the busiest day of the year for our services and the 111 service is expected to be VERY busy which may mean a prolonged wait for calls to be answered. Here's what you can do to help yourself, save time and help us care for those in the most need first.

📱NHS inform has a range of symptom checkers for common illnesses and conditions you can use to help you decide what to do next: https://nhs24.info/symptom-checkers

🤒Check out the winter illness hub on NHS inform if you need help with colds, flu, coughs, sickness bugs, etc: https://nhs24.info/winter-illness

💊If your call is related to medicines please visit https://nhs24.info/accessing-medicines
Whether it is prescribed or non-prescribed medication, our guide to accessing medication can save you time. You might not need to call 111.

✔️By using NHS resources wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
Find out more about how to access the : https://nhs24.info/RightCareRightPlace

If you are using a mobile phone to call please switch to WiFi calling and ensure your device is charged. This will help to prevent your call being disconnected. Some mobile providers disconnect calls due to network capacity demand. NHS 24 does not cut calls.

NHS 24's staff are working exceptionally hard to answer as many calls as we can, quickly and safely. Please be patient and we will answer. If you can try the above options first, it could save you time. We want to help you get the right care, in the right place. 💙

26/12/2025

Whether it's to give your fitness goals a boost, put a few pounds back in the bank account or to feel fresher as you boss that alcohol-free streak, the Dry January® challenge is your chance to reset your relationship with alcohol at the start of the year and beyond.

For more information visit: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-drinking/dry-january

26/12/2025