Stonehaven Patient Participation Group

31/12/2025

Winter can be a difficult time of year for elderly and vulnerable people. You can help those closest to you by making sure they're aware of the support available to them during cold weather. www.ready.scot/prepare/get-and-offer-support

31/12/2025

The weather forecast is wintry❄️
Take special care if you're out and about in icy conditions.
Remember the 'walk like a penguin' guidance 🐧

🔹 arms out
🔹 loose knees
🔹 feet slightly outwards

If you are unfortunate and experience an injury after a minor fall, there's advice on NHS inform to help.
↪️https://nhs24.info/MSK

31/12/2025

31/12/2025

📢 IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ AND SHARE

Hogmanay and the first few days of 2026 will be very busy for the 111 service, 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. 💙

31/12/2025

31/12/2025

The PPG would like to wish all our fellow patients and their families a happy and healthy new year!

30/12/2025

🎄Festive Holiday Period – NHS Grampian Emergency Dental Service 2025/2026 🦷

If you have an urgent dental problem over the festive break, please contact your own dental practice first — they’ll advise you on what to do.

If your practice is closed and you need urgent care, special arrangements will be in place throughout the holiday period. Appointments can only be arranged by calling NHS 24 on 111.

https://www.grampiandental.com/festive-holiday-period-nhs-grampian-emergency-dental-service-2024-2025/

Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership Aberdeenshire Public Health - North Aberdeenshire Public Health - Central Aberdeenshire Public Health - South Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership - AHSCP Health Improvement Team MorayHealth and Social Care Moray NHS Grampian

30/12/2025

30/12/2025

🚫🤧 Flu season is here early! If you have respiratory symptoms (cough, sneeze, runny nose) or recent diarrhoea/vomiting, don’t visit hospitals or care homes. What’s mild for you could be serious for them. Protect vulnerable patients – thank you!

29/12/2025

Keep warm in the cold weather 🌡️

Cold weather affects the body and can make us unwell, so follow these simple tips to keep yourself warm to help avoid health problems.

♨️ If you can, heat the rooms you regularly use to at least 18°C

🧣 Wear several layers of thinner clothing instead of one thick layer

🚶 Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so

🤝 For more advice on how to keep warm at home, including information on support and potential funding, visit: https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/

Find out more helpful advice on NHS Inform: nhsinform.scot/cold-weather

29/12/2025

Get ready for the bells 🎉🔔
Follow our tips so you and your loved ones are health-prepared to say hello to 2026.

📲 Use NHS inform symptom checkers
When you’re feeling unwell, NHS inform's symptom checkers and self‑help guides will give you fast, expert‑designed advice on what to do next and how to manage common symptoms.

💊 Check medicines and repeat prescriptions
Make sure you have enough prescribed medicines as many GPs and pharmacies will be closed over New Year. Order only what you need, and collect before holiday closures. If you run out when the GP is closed, a community pharmacist may be able to give an emergency supply.

🤧 Manage winter illnesses at home
NHS inform has practical guidance for coughs, colds, sore throats, flu, norovirus and more - including self‑care and when to seek help.

🩹 Have remedies and first aid items available at home
It’s helpful to keep over‑the‑counter remedies such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable for you), antihistamines, anti‑diarrhoeals, indigestion remedies, a mild laxative, and a basic first‑aid kit. Always follow the pack advice and don’t overstock as medicines can go out of date. If unsure, ask a pharmacist.

🤒 For minor ailments - Remember Pharmacy First
If you’ve got a minor illness, your local community pharmacy is the first place to go for advice - no appointment required. Pharmacists (and trained team members) can assess, advise and provide medicine where appropriate, and will refer you to a GP, dentist, optometrist or another service if needed.

🗓️ Know your festive opening times
GP practices and pharmacies may have different opening hours on public holidays. Check local opening times and find nearby services using Scotland’s Service Directory on NHS inform.

🚑 Know where to get the right care in the right place
Call 999 or go to A&E for emergencies that are life or limb-threatening. Otherwise, NHS inform can help you decide what to do next, including when to contact your GP or 111.

Need more info? All links in the comments!

29/12/2025

SARCS is a dedicated NHS Scotland service which offers healthcare and support in the days after an assault if you are not ready to tell the police or are unsure.

www.nhsinform.scot/SARCS