Residents fail to take stock of their medicine cabinets

THE vast majority of Lothians residents have not stocked up their medicine cabinet ahead of more potentially freezing conditions.

The NHS said only around eight per cent had enough remedies should they be unable to reach a chemist.

It has prompted warnings, particularly in light of recent conditions, that people should take steps, particularly those with health problems.

NHS Lothian medical director Dr Charles Swainson said: "Falling ill in winter is really miserable, especially if your medicine cabinet is not stocked up with the right medicines.

"Having a properly stocked medicine cabinet means there is a lot less to worry about when you just need to rest and get better.

"It is also important that people who rely on prescription medication ensure they get any requests to their GP or pharmacist as far in advance of Christmas closures as possible."