An awareness campaign is being launched, urging Scots to help ease the pressure on the NHS over the winter.

TV, radio and online advertising will be used to encourage people to seek the right care in the right place.

The campaign will signpost people to the most appropriate care and remind them that if a condition is not life-threatening they can visit a pharmacy, contact their GP or call 111.

According to a press release, this will be the most challenging winter the NHS has ever faced, due to pandemic backlogs, Brexit-driven staff shortages and inflation.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I am under no illusion that this winter will be the toughest in the history of our great NHS, which is why I am pulling every lever at my disposal to help ease pressure where possible.

“This campaign will make it easier than ever to know where to go to get the right care in the right place – saving patients time and freeing up space in our emergency departments.

“It is the latest step in our £600 million resilience plan to support our NHS through the tough winter ahead, which will recruit 1,000 extra staff, vaccinate the public from COVID-19 and flu, and prioritise care for the most vulnerable.”