Extra emergency beds laid out for next freeze

NHS Lothian has made an extra 185 emergency beds available for the next cold snap, it has emerged.

Health boards across the country detailed a number of winter plans in place to ensure services run smoothly.

Accommodation will also be available for key staff groups across NHS Lothian to avoid the need for travel during severe weather.

Meanwhile, the latest figures have shown that flu cases are rising in Scotland, although they are not above what would normally be expected for this time of year.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "During this severe winter, NHS Scotland has demonstrated once again its ability to cope in the face of challenges. We are all indebted to the staff across Scotland who have worked extra hours, often in extremely difficult conditions, to continue to provide round-the-clock healthcare.

"As we move into flu season, NHS services will continue to be very busy and we've already seen NHS 24 experience their busiest ever Christmas. The public can help out by only contacting their GP or NHS 24 if they need to, and following good hygiene procedures to try to prevent themselves from becoming ill."