Be Ready for Winter

Winter is a very busy time for the NHS and you can do a lot to help avoid placing extra demands on hospital and emergency services by making the best use of your local pharmacy, GP practice or minor injuries services. For example, your local pharmacy can provide advice and medicines for many common conditions such as coughs and colds, fever, sore throats and stomach upsets without having to see your GP. It's also really important to avoid attending Emergency Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital with minor, non urgent health problems as this could divert staff time and resources from seriously ill patients who need them most.

• Find out how to stay healthy in Forth Valley this winter
• View local pharmacies open over Christmas and New Year

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Advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter

NHS Scotland - Winter Campaign

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Advice on preparing for and dealing with the effects of severe winter weather

Ready Scotland - Are you ready for winter?

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Information on the annual seasonal flu vaccination campaign

Information on the annual seasonal flu vaccination campaign

• NHS Forth Valley Winter Plan 2011/12