Health officials in Scotland have issued a stark warning to Christmas revellers, highlighting that a seemingly innocent staple of the festive dinner – gravy – is a surprisingly common cause of serious burns leading to emergency hospital visits.
Festive Feasts Turned Sour: Common Kitchen and DIY Dangers
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has detailed a list of typical holiday mishaps that result in trips to Accident and Emergency departments. Alongside digestive troubles from overindulgence and falls from ladders while putting up decorations, gravy burns rank among the most frequent reasons for attendance over the Christmas period.
The list also includes cuts from box cutters and craft knives, as well as upset stomachs and respiratory illnesses. Many of these conditions, the health board notes, could often be treated at home or via other NHS services, rather than in overstretched emergency units.
Dr Claire Harrow, deputy medical director for acute services, commented on the seasonal risks. "Christmas Day is full of excitement, and let’s be honest, a bit of chaos," she said. "When things get hectic, accidents can happen in seconds. We’re asking everyone to enjoy the celebrations but take care, especially in the kitchen."
Protecting Children and Managing Minor Illnesses
Paediatric specialists are urging extra vigilance to protect children during the festivities. NHSGGC warned that small items like button batteries and water beads are sometimes swallowed, while hot items such as hair straighteners can cause severe burns. There is also a danger that children may mistake liquitabs and other cleaning products for sweets.
Jenna Hill, major trauma co-ordinator at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, emphasised gift safety. "Bikes and scooters without motors are popular gifts. If Santa is delivering any unmotorised items with wheels, then we would also encourage this to come with a helmet," she advised.
She also reiterated important legal warnings: "Our campaign alongside Police Scotland recently highlighted the dangers of (motorised) eScooters and eBikes, and the risk of serious injury is real and rising. It’s important that people remember that eScooters are illegal to use in public spaces and it is illegal for under-14s to ride on eBikes in Scotland."
Mounting Pressure on Emergency Services
This safety plea comes as the NHS faces a dual burden of seasonal accidents and a surge in winter viruses. From December 8 to 14, there were 76 deaths mentioning influenza on the death certificate – a rise of 39 from the previous week.
Dr Harrow stressed the importance of using the right service: "A&E is for urgent injuries and life-threatening emergencies. For minor injuries or illnesses, you should start by trying to treat from home or call NHS 24 on 111 if you’re unsure. They’ll give advice and arrange an appointment if needed. No one wants to spend Christmas Day in a waiting room."
The situation echoes last December's pressures, when flu cases surged and almost 1,700 people waited over 12 hours to be seen in A&E departments across the country over the Christmas period.
