FOR most people, Christmas is a time for family get-togethers, exchanging gifts around the tree and tucking into a traditional turkey dinner.

But one father and daughter are postponing their festive celebrations to make sure others stay well during the holidays.

Corinne Speirs and Grant Speirs will be answering calls at NHS 24's contact centre, at Glasgow's Cardonald, to ensure that out-of-hours care is available to those who need it when doctors' surgeries are closed.

Corrine, 22, and Grant, 46, from Pollok, are among thousands of NHS staff working over the festive period, including Christmas Day.

The health advice line - which includes nurse advisers, dental health, pharmacy and mental health advisers among its specialist staff - is preparing to receive thousands of calls from patients across Scotland this Christmas and New Year.

Last year, NHS 24 received more than 72,000 calls over the eight-day festive period.

Corinne, who is also studying to become a Learning Disability Nurse, has worked for NHS 24 for more than a year. Dad Grant has worked for the national tele-health service for eight years and is used to working over the festive period.

He said: "It is part of the job. We have to provide a service.

"It is a busy time of year and we have to remember that we are here to provide a service for people who may not be having such a good Christmas and who need our help."

NHS 24 is working closely with all Scottish Health Boards as part of a national NHS Scotland campaign encouraging Scots, particularly parents and older people, to be prepared for the winter period, and advises how they can look after themselves if they become ill.

CORINNE said: "It is important to remember that some services will not be available over Christmas and New Year, so plan ahead.

"If you are on regular medication, make sure you have enough to last. It is meant to be a happy time of year but it isn't for everyone. If you prepare ahead you can help prevent any upset.

"I would also ask people to check up on neighbours if they are elderly or unwell. Even just making sure they have some hot food, will make all the difference to them."

Call handler Cristiana Theodoli will be working at NHS 24's Clydebank contact centre over the holiday time.

The 27-year-old, from Govan, offers the following advice: "Do simple things, like be aware of when your GP surgery is open over the festive period, as well as when local pharmacies are open and which ones are open out-of-hours.

"It is also important to make sure that if you take regular medication, you have enough prescription to last over the Christmas and New Year holiday."

NHS 24 medical director Professor George Crooks added: "We expect to be extremely busy taking thousands of calls from patients in need at our centres across the country during the holiday break.

"This is why we would remind people to stop by the medicine counter and pick up a few extras to see you through the holidays.

"I would also remind people that they have a huge range of winter health advice available at their fingertips at www.nhsinform.co.uk/winter."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk