Health chiefs have reiterated their request that people in West Dunbartonshire use health services appropriately as winter starts to bite.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde says people can stay safe by using its services wisely.

A survey of adult Emergency Departments (EDs) within Greater Glasgow and Clyde has revealed that many patients are regularly presenting with minor illness or injury.

In West Dunbartonshire, the Vale of Leven Hospital has a dedicated minor injury unit, so by using it appropriately patients can get the right treatment quickly and ensure the emergency departments (ED) are better able to cope.

Based on recent activity, medics have identified a list of the top ten illnesses that do not require a trip to ED.

Instead, patients should seek advice or treatment from either NHS Inform, their local pharmacist, optometrist, dentist, NHS 24 or their GP/out of hours GP.

The top ten includes cold symptoms, nasal congestion or a simple sore throat; skin complaints such as acne, eczema or athlete's foot; cold sores, warts or verrucae; period pain; earache; haemorrhoids (piles); hay fever or mild allergies; head lice/scabies; mouth ulcers/dental pain and thrush.

Alastair Ireland, emergency department clinical director at Glasgow Royal Infirmary said: "We are all aware of what a precious resource our NHS is and we need to use it wisely, and that is particularly important in Winter.

"Those with serious or life-threatening illness and injuries will always be given priority, meaning those with less serious issues may face longer waits. This is the beginning of winter and we really need patients to carefully consider the best place to be if they are unwell, in order that those who really need hospital care can receive it."

The advice comes weeks after the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow experienced its busiest day ever since opening, with a record number of patients being seen in 24 hours - half of which could have been dealt with elsewhere.