Getting the right care in the right place
Across health and social care there are a range of services and experts available to help. They are often based locally or online to make sure accessing the care you need is convenient and timely. Please familiarise yourself with the different areas of care at gov.scot/right-care
It could be that your condition can be best addressed by a dentist or perhaps a trip to your local pharmacy. To get the right care close to home, see our local services below. You can click on underlined links in each section.
Hospital is not always the answer
Hospital is not necessarily the right place for people once they are medically fit and there are lots of care options to consider. Listen to Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Graham Ellis speaking on this subject on Twitter.
A&E
A&E is for emergencies, such as severe injury, a suspected heart attack or stroke, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding. Many patients may experience longer waiting times at A&E when their condition could have been treated more quickly elsewhere.
or use the link below to find your nearest A & E department.
Social Care
If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of a serious or complex illness or disability, you may be eligible for NHS funded social care. Care Information Scotland provides a range of information and advice on care services, and how to access them. You can call them on 0800 011 3200.
Planned hospital care
Planned care refers to pre-arranged health appointments either in a community setting or in the hospital. Planned care services can be accessed for persistent conditions such as diabetes, carpal tunnel and dermatological issues.
NHS 24
If you think you need A&E, but it’s not a critical emergency, call NHS 24 on 111. Or for guidance and advice around common conditions
Dentist
If you’re experiencing dental problems such as tooth pain, swollen or bleeding gums, or an injury to your mouth, your local Dental Practice should be the first place you contact. If you’re not registered with a dentist, find your regional dentist helpline using this link.
Community Pharmacy
If you have a minor illness, such as a cold, an upset stomach or general aches and pains, your local pharmacy is the first place you should go for advice.
See our Community Pharmacy pages
OR use the link below to find a local chemist
GP surgery
General Practices are open and available for your health and wellbeing needs, and there are now more ways for you to access care, with appointments face to face, over the phone or on video call.
Find out more at NHSinform
Maternity care
Maternity care is key to maintaining the best health for yourself and your baby during pregnancy. You should start your maternity care as soon as possible once you know you're
pregnant. You can do this by contacting your General Practice.
Early Pregnancy concerns
You can get advice on symptoms. You may be advised to monitor symptoms at home, given an appointment or attend the hospital for review. The line is manned 24 hours a day please call prior to attending the hospital on 01592 729706 anytime.
Optometrist
If you’re experiencing eye problems such as a red or sticky eye, blurred vision, or flashes and floaters, please contact your optometrist who will be able to assist you.
OR use the link below to find a local optician
Mental Health
Feeling anxious, stressed or low - find out how you can improve your mental wellbeing.
Or see our own pages below.
Respect and support our health and social care staff
The positive support shown for NHS staff since the pandemic has really made a difference, and we’d like you to keep showing your appreciation. Be patient, be kind and do all that you can to allow health and social care staff to do their jobs.
