NHS Fife Launches New Public Health Campaign

This month, NHS Fife launched a public Spring into the Right Care campaign, offering practical guidance on managing minor illnesses, recognising symptoms, and choosing the most appropriate service. 

The initiative aims to ensure that people get the help they need quickly, whilst protecting overstretched NHS services for those with more serious needs.

The campaign addresses common seasonal conditions such as coughs, colds, stomach problems, and flare-ups of long-term conditions like asthma or eczema. The Courier shared that the health board states that most minor conditions can be treated at home or with advice from a community pharmacy, where no appointment is needed.

The NHS Inform website provides clinically approved self-help guides that can assist people in managing their condition at home.

Dr Joy Tomlinson, NHS Fife’s director of public health, said to the Courier that spring is “a great time to think about the best ways to look after our health and to check where to go for advice and care, so that we can get the help we need, while still protecting urgent care services for those who need them most.”

The campaign directs people towards mental health and wellbeing resources available throughout the year. 

The broader message is one of proportionate care — matching the level of service to the level of need. The NHS encourages people to “get the right care, in the right place, at the right time” to help “ensure NHS services are available to those who need them most.” By choosing the right service, the NHS says “people can get quicker help, avoid unnecessary waits, and play their part in keeping NHS Fife services running effectively throughout the busy spring season.” A community pharmacy visit or a quick check of NHS Inform is often the fastest route to advice for minor complaints, without the need to call a GP or visit A&E.

NHS Fife’s homepage is currently highlighting the campaign, reminding residents that if it is not an emergency, services such as a community pharmacy or NHS 24 on 111 at weekends can help.

Further information and advice can be found at www.nhsfife.org/spring.

Photo by Wikimedia Commons