Those planning to toast the New Year with a dram or two have been warned against drinking so much they end up in hospital.
At the turn of every year accident and emergency departments see admissions soar due to binge drinking and alcohol-related injuries.
NHS Tayside emergency staff have urged people to watch how much they drink to avoid starting 2017 in a hospital bed.
People across Courier country will bring in the bells with a tipple at home, at parties, in pubs, nightclubs and restaurants.
Dr Andy Reddick, emergency medicine consultant with NHS Tayside, said: “We want everyone to enjoy New Year, but would ask people to be responsible about their alcohol intake and to be aware of how much they are drinking because no one wants to spend Hogmanay in the emergency department.
“Over New Year we see a huge increase in the number of patients attending A&E with acute intoxication and with alcohol-related injuries.
“We also see a large spike in attendances on New Year’s Day with patients who have injured themselves due to drinking on Hogmanay attending in the early hours of the morning and later on in the day.”
While others take time off work to enjoy the festive holidays, Tayside’s emergency department staff volunteer for extra shifts, working antisocial hours to help deal with the additional admissions.
On Hogmanay, senior doctor cover is increased in the late evening and into the early hours of January 1 and a registrar twilight shift which would normally end at midnight continues until 4am.
An extra consultant comes in on New Year’s Day at 6am, to help deal with the intoxicated and injured.
However, around one in three people who visit A&E could be treated elsewhere, putting extra pressure on staff needed for real emergencies.
To avoid unnecessary trips to A&E, those needing treatment while GP surgeries are closed were advised to access out-of-hours services through NHS 24.
Those who live in rural areas and have minor illness such as flu or earache or a cut, minor burn or sprain were also advised to use NHS 24 or a minor injury illness unit.
Local pharmacists can provide services such as free advice, support and guidance on health problems.
People were also advised to ensure they had enough essential medication.
Information and a list of hospitals is available at www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk, while local health service information and health advice can be accessed at www.nhsinform.co.uk.