NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging men to think before attending A&E.
The health board has launched a winter health campaign urging people, particularly men, to "Think ABC Before A&E" and consider other care options before heading to emergency departments.
This comes amid new figures which show that men in Greater Glasgow and Clyde are more likely than women to attend A&E as their first point of care.
Recent data shows that for every 100 people who go directly to A&E, around 54 are men and 46 are women, meaning men are about 15% more likely to attend A&E first than women.
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Dr Claire Harrow, deputy medical director for acute services at NHSGGC, said: "Every winter we see thousands of people coming to A&E with injuries or illnesses that could be treated elsewhere.
"This often means longer waits for them and puts pressure on emergency departments.
“Going into winter, we want men, and the public at large, to know how to treat themselves at home when appropriate and be aware of all the NHS services available to them if required.”
NHSGGC is advising the public to use the ABC approach when deciding where to seek care.
A stands for Ask—can the illness or injury be managed at home?
B is for Be aware"—know the healthcare services available in the community, such as pharmacies, dental practices and GP surgeries.
C stands for Call 111—the NHS 24 helpline, where clinicians can direct callers to the appropriate care, including minor injuries units or the Flow Navigation Centre.
NHSGGC also emphasised that patients should continue to use A&E or call 999 for very urgent or life-threatening conditions.
The campaign also highlights the importance of preventive healthcare, noting that though bowel screening kits are sent to everyone aged 50–74 every two years, more than a third of men do not return them.
Men aged 65 and over are also offered abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening—a simple scan that can prevent a potentially fatal rupture.
In Scotland, men are also reportedly more likely to smoke and drink more than recommended, and are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
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Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at NHSGGC, said: "How many times have you heard a male friend or loved one put off getting the help they need, saying 'Ach, it’s just a scratch,' or 'I’ll be fine—I don’t want to bother anyone'?"
“It might be bravado, or it might be lack of knowledge, but it’s important men look after themselves and access the most appropriate health services at the earliest opportunity.
"Looking after your health is the most important thing you can do—for your loved ones as much as yourself."
For more information on accessing the right care in the right place, visit the NHSGGC website or NHS Inform
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