This Christmas you can treat a lot of minor ailments yourself at home.

Whilst doing your Christmas shopping, get prepared by making sure your medicine cabinet at home is well stocked. You can find out what pharmacists and doctors suggest you keep in by visiting the NHS webpage nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/your-medicine-cabinet/ or asking at your local pharmacy.

You can get free advice from a pharmacist for lots of minor health issues, including what over the counter medicines you can buy and when to visit your GP. 

If symptoms suggest it's something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.

For details of the pharmacies open over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays check here: Pharmacy Opening Times Christmas/New Year The information is correct at the time of publishing, so please phone and check with the pharmacy before travelling. 

Choosing the appropriate NHS service for you helps the local NHS keep emergency services free for those that need them the most. If you need to contact medical services over the holiday, please remember you can get access to health and social care advice and information by phoning the Single Point of Access (SPA) on 01472 256 256, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.