NHS Orkney advises the public to use services ‘wisely’ over the Festive period

NHS Orkney is urging the public to use local medical services “wisely” over the holiday period, as GP surgeries close for four consecutive days over both the Christmas and New Year weeks.

Over the period, an on call GP will be available 24 hours a day for patients who have problems that can’t wait until surgeries reopen.

The organisation is also advising that NHS 24 should be called, on 111, for health advice while surgeries are closed.

Anyone who needs to see a GP will be given an appointment at the out of hours room in Balfour Hospital’s Outpatients Department. Home visits can also be arranged for house bound patients.

The Accident and Emergency department at the hospital is open 24 hours a day to deal with medical emergencies and injuries. However, people are being asked not go to Accident and Emergency with problems that would normally be dealt with by a GP.

Patients who attend Accident and Emergency with problems that would be dealt with by a GP may have a long wait and could be asked to return home to phone NHS 24 or make an appointment with their own doctor.