Shoppers get giant reminder to be ready for winter

SHOPPERS in Inverness were yesterday provided with a giant reminder to be prepared for winter when an oversized medicine cabinet visited the city centre.

The cabinet was stocked with a selection of winter essentials and shoppers at the Eastgate Centre were offered tissues and vitamins, as part of a NHS Scotland health campaign.

The Be Ready for Winter initiative aims to highlight how and when people can access NHS services during winter and what they can do to help fend off common illnesses, such as colds, coughs, sore throats and flu. GP surgeries will be closed for four days – from December 25 to 28 – over Christmas, and for another four days - from January 1 to 4 – over Hogmanay, although many GPs will be working throughout this period supporting out-of-hours services.

People in the Highlands are being advised to check pharmacy opening times and make sure they have the necessary medication to see them through the festive period.

Dr George Crooks, NHS 24 medical director, said: “We always encourage people to help themselves fend off the usual winter illnesses by being well prepared at this time of year.

“By adding a few extra items to your shopping list, by making sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked and by knowing when your GP surgery will be closed, you can ensure you and your family are well prepared for winter.”