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IT is a vital element of any Christmas dinner.
But health chiefs have warned festive revellers of the dangers of gravy this Christmas, after citing it as one of the main reasons for festive visits to A&E.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has listed a number of common festive mishaps that result in hospital visits.
As well as falls from ladders and digestive issues sparked by over-indulgence, the health board lists gravy burns among the most frequent reasons for attending emergency departments over the Christmas period.
Cuts from box cutters and craft knives are also included in the list, along with upset stomachs and respiratory problems.
Upset stomachs and seasonal respiratory illnesses also feature among those who self-present at A&E - conditions that can often be treated elsewhere.
Dr Claire Harrow, deputy medical director for acute services, said: ‘Christmas Day is full of excitement, and let’s be honest, a bit of chaos.
‘When things get hectic, accidents can happen in seconds. We’re asking everyone to enjoy the celebrations but take care, especially in the kitchen.’
Gravy burns are cited as a leading cause of Christmas A&E visits
NHS chiefs are urging caution to ease pressure on overstretched hospitals
She added: ‘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, either virtually or in person.
‘No one wants to spend Christmas Day in a waiting room.’
Paediatricians are urging parents and carers to be extra careful to prevent children from sustaining such injuries.
NHSGCC warned that button batteries and water beads are sometimes swallowed by children, and things such as hair straighteners can cause burns.
It also warned that children may swallow liquitabs and other cleaning products, believing them to be sweets.
Jenna Hill, major trauma co-ordinator at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, urged parents to take care when giving kids certain gifts.
She said: ‘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.
‘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.’
The warning comes as NHS chiefs warn that A&E departments face added pressure as cases of flu sweep the country.
From December 8 to 14, there were 76 deaths that mentioned influenza on the death certificate - 39 more than the previous week.
Last December, flu cases have surged, with almost 1,700 people waiting over 12 hours to be treated in A&E over Christmas.
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