EAST Lothian residents have been told they can play a key role in relieving “massive pressure” on the country’s health system.

Demand for healthcare services throughout the Lothians is at an all-time high due to the Omicron strain of Covid-19, putting health staff under increased pressure.

Now, Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian, is calling for people to do what they can to ensure the NHS can cope.

He stressed the importance of people getting in touch with the appropriate professionals and limiting the chances of testing positive for Covid-19.

The SNP MSP, who is also a councillor for the Dunbar and East Linton ward, said: “There is massive pressure on our NHS, who are already dealing with routine winter care and non-Covid care, as well as our health response to the pandemic.”

Mr McLennan was speaking following an announcement by the Scottish Government on Covid-19 guidance.

He thanked people for sticking to the rules and reserved special praise for “the exhausted NHS workforce who have battled this virus for two years”.

For more information about how to access the right care in the right place, go to services.nhslothian.scot/rightcare