NOW that the number of people self-referring to hospital emergency departments is returning to pre-Covid levels, hospitals are seeing more patients whose needs can be better met closer to home by local pharmacies or GP practices.

If you are in any doubt about who you should contact, please call NHS24 on 111 to access the appropriate care. If you attend an emergency department and your health problem could be better managed elsewhere, you may be redirected to another service in line with new national guidance.

The programme for free flu jags, for those who are eligible, is being run alongside the booster programme.

Here’s what you need to know about getting the Covid booster.

Eligible groups include people aged 50 and over, people who live and work in care homes, frontline health and social care workers, people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19, people aged 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from Covid-19, people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis), people who are pregnant and in one of the eligible groups.

Invitations are being sent through the post. You’ll be able to book an appointment via the online portal soon, and letters will then be issued to anyone in these groups who haven’t booked an appointment.

Glasgow welcomed more than 140 world leaders and 24,000 delegates to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on climate change.

Glasgow has been crowned the city of the year at the National EG awards, as the judges were so impressed by “Glasgow’s early adoption of sustainable policy in various industries and its leadership on climate and environmental agendas”.

For all those worrying about an overcrowded Christmas, please take control and share your concerns with your loved ones, family, and friends. It’s not always the best of times for people who may feel lonely or sad, but please be gentle on yourself and know you are never alone and there are others you can talk to.

Covid is still out there folks and people are vulnerable so please be cautious. And always remember: kindness is not just for Christmas.

Finally, here’s a wee extra reminder that P1 enrolment is open for those children who will be five years of age between March 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. Apply online via the GCC website.