Page 212 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Scotland

210  SUR VIV AL GUIDE PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  211

Personal Security and Health open mornings and early handbags on your lap, Lost Property
evenings. Hospital Accident not on the floor. And If you are unlucky enough to
Scotland is safe and it is unlikely that you will come across and Emergency departments in pubs, do not put lose anything or have any thing
any problems. However, like in any other country, it is wise are always open. your bag over the stolen, go straight to the nearest
to take precautions about personal safety and belongings. If back of your chair; police station to report your
you do encounter diffi culties, do not hesitate to contact the The Midge use the bag clips on Police car loss. If you want to claim on
insurance for any theft, you will
the underside of tables
police for help. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) can be Being bitten by midges is one where available. need a written report from the
relied upon for an emergency or routine treatment. However, of the most common hazards It is advisable not to local police. All of the main bus
you may have to pay for treatment if your country has no for visitors to Scotland. The carry too much cash and train stations have lost
reciprocal arrange-ment with the UK. Below is some guidance chance of encountering these or jewellery with you; property centres. Most hotels
for enjoying a trouble-free visit. tiny biting flies is partic ularly leave it in the safe in disclaim all responsibility for
heightened around lochs and the hotel instead. Or valuables not kept in their safe.
on the coast, as they love damp keep most of your cash It is advisable to make photo-
Hospitals and Medical conditions. They breed between in a money belt worn copies of your vital documents
Treatment
April and October, and are at under your clothing, Ambulance such as passports and travel
All visitors to Scotland, their worst at the start and end with smaller amounts papers. If you lose your pass-
especially those from outside of the day. There is no way of more easily accessible port, contact your embassy or
the European Union (EU), are escaping them altogether, but in a shoulder bag or consulate in either Edin burgh
strongly advised to take out to ensure that you suffer only pocket. Pick pockets or London (see p209).
medical insurance against the the mini mum of bites, apply tend to fre quent
cost of emergency hospital care, insect repellent (such as Autan) crowded places like DIRECTORY
repatriation and special ists’ and avoid sitting near bright markets, busy shops
fees. Emergency medical lights after dark. If they really and public transport. Police, Fire
treatment in an NHS Accident are a nuisance you may want If you are travelling Fire engine and Ambulance
and Emergency department A traditional, privately owned pharmacy in to invest in a midge net. alone at night try to Services
is free, but additional medical Leith, Edinburgh avoid deserted and poor ly lit Police Tel 999. Calls are free (24-hour
care could prove expensive. Crime and Suitable buildings and places such as The sight of a traditional British phoneline).
US visitors should check with largest supplier, with branches back streets and car parks. bobby patrolling the streets in a
their insurance companies to in most towns. Many medicines Precautions When driv ing, try to park in tall hat is now less common than Hospital Accident
be sure they are covered. are available only with a doctor’s Scotland is not a dangerous well-lit areas where it will be the police patrol car, usually and Emergency
EU residents and nationals prescrip tion, which you must place for visitors, and it is most difficult for some one to tamper with wailing sirens and flashing Departments
of some other Commonwealth take to a dispensing chemist unlikely that your stay will be with your car with out being lights. But the old-fashioned Aberdeen Royal
and European countries are (pharma cist). Either bring your blighted by crime. There are, noticed. A steering wheel lock police constable does still exist Infirmary
entitled to free medical treat- own supply or ask your doctor however, practical steps that is a good visual deter rent. If in Scotland, particularly in rural Tel (0345) 456 6000.
ment under the NHS, though to write out the generic name can be taken to help you avoid you are the victim of crime, areas and crowded city centres, Edinburgh Royal
the process is bureaucratic. of the drug (as opposed to the loss of prop erty or personal contact your local police station. and continues to be courteous, Infirmary
Before travelling, obtain a brand name). If you are enti tled injury. Take good care of your It is often necessary to report approachable and helpful. Tel (0131) 536 1000.
European Health Insurance Card to an NHS prescription, you belongings at all times. Make a crime in order to make an Unlike in many other countries,
(EHIC) from a post office; show will be charged a standard sure your possessions are insurance claim. the police in Scotland do not Glasgow Royal
this to anyone treating you. rate; without this, you will be adequately insured before carry guns. If you are lost, the Infirmary
Be aware, how ever, that some charged the full cost. Ask for a you arrive. Never leave them Women Travelling traditional advice to ask a Tel (0141) 211 4000.
treatments are not covered, and receipt for any insurance claim. unattended in pub lic places. policeman or woman still applies. Inverness Raigmore
repatriation is not included, so Some pharmacies stay open Keep your valuables well Alone Traffic wardens may also be Tel (01463) 704000.
medical insurance is preferable. until midnight. Doctors’ concealed, especially in crowds. Scotland is safe for female solo able to help with directions. NHS 24 Helpline
For advice, or if you’re unsure surgeries (offices) are usually In cinemas or theatres, keep travellers, but commonsense If you have lost property it is Tel 111.
whether to call an ambulance, precautions should be worth contacting the local ∑ nhs24.com
call the NHS 24 Helpline taken. Caution is police station as someone
(see Directory opposite). advisable in may have handed it in. Perth Royal Infirmary
If you need to see a dentist, deserted places, In a crisis, dial 999 to Tel (01738) 623311.
you will have to pay. The cost especially after reach police, fire and Emergency
will vary depending on your dark. It is best to ambulance services Dental Care
enti tlement to NHS treatment. summon a licensed who are on call 24
Emergency dental treatment is taxi (see p223) hours a day. Calls Chalmers Dental Centre
available in some hospitals and rather than walk are free from any 3 Chalmers St,
at the Chalmers Dental Centre through a lonely Logo of the Royal National public or private Edinburgh EH3 9EW
in Edinburgh. area of a city at Lifeboat Institution phone, but they Tel (0131) 536 4800.
night, especially if should only be made
you do not know the area well. in real emergencies. In Scotland’s Disabled
Pharmacists Helpline
It is illegal to carry any offensive coastal areas this number will
You can buy a wide range of weapons, including knives, also put you in touch with The Disability Helpline
medicines without pre scription guns, mace or tear-gas, even Britain’s voluntary coastguard Tel (0808) 800 3333.
from pharmacies in Scotland. for self-defence. Personal rescue service, the RNLI (Royal ∑ scope.org.uk
Boots is the best-known and Woman police constable Police constable Traffic police officer alarms are permitted, however. National Lifeboat Institution).

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