Scotland's NHS dedication praised

NHS 24 staff in Aberdeen were among those praised

The "tireless and dedicated" work of thousands of NHS staff over the festive season has been praised.

Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald was paying the tribute ahead of a visit to NHS 24's contact centre in Aberdeen.

Mr Macdonald said that at the busiest time of the year for staff he wanted to take the opportunity to thank NHS workers all over Scotland.

The minister made his comments ahead of a tour of the Aberdeen centre to meet staff on Friday morning.

'Running smoothly'

Mr Macdonald said they were just some of the thousands of committed NHS workers across Scotland who ensured round-the-clock care was provided over the festive season.

He said: "People can be reassured that should they need to call NHS 24 over the Christmas and New Year period, they will receive the highest quality of care by trained call handlers and nursing staff who will be able to help them.

"I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the NHS workers all over Scotland who give up their Christmas and New Year holiday to keep the health service running smoothly over the busiest time of the year."

Mr Macdonald added: "I would also call on members of the public to remember that this is an extremely busy time of year for the emergency services and to use NHS 24 responsibly."