With many people no doubt intent on making the most of the Easter holidays and the onset of spring by reaching for the tools or lawnmower, a major health campaign is urging DIY and gardening enthusiasts to be prepared.
As part of the NHS Scotland Be Ready for Easter campaign, people are being urged to take care and be prepared to deal with any minor accidents before tackling those all-important home and garden improvements.
By taking a few simple steps and knowing when their GP surgery is open, restocking their medicine cabinet and first-aid box if needed, and using local pharmacies to seek advice and to treat any minor cuts, bumps, bruises and scrapes, any enthusiastic painters, builders and gardeners can help ensure they stay healthy this spring.
Sheena Wright, executive director of nursing and care at NHS 24, said: “Every Easter we see an increase in calls resulting from DIY accidents, and we would encourage people to be prepared before they open the toolbox or garden shed.
“With many GP surgeries closed for four days over the Easter weekend, these are a few simple steps people can take to stay healthy.”
Although many GP surgeries will be closed at Easter – from Friday, April 18, to Monday April 21 – many may be working throughout this period supporting out-of-hours services across the Borders.
However, please make sure you ask your doctor if they will be working, asking time and contact details.
General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.