NHS warns public to stock up on medicine

STAFF at the NHS 24 contact centre in South Queensferry are reminding the public to make sure they are well-prepared for Christmas by stocking up on adequate supplies of prescription and non-prescription medication, and knowing when their GP surgeries are open.

The centre will see around 100 staff working through the festive break, while many GP surgeries are closed.

One of them, regional pharmacy advisor Hazel Close, from Bathgate, said: “I think a lot of people do get caught out at this time of year with the two four-day GP surgery closures. I would therefore advise people who use repeat medication to make sure they have enough to last until the New Year.

“Many people do not realise that there is a public holiday on the Tuesday of both weeks at Christmas and New Year and therefore access to many health care facilities will be limited. This is especially the case after New Year when many people are already back to work”