Besureto stockup onmeds atXmas

With Christmas only a few days away, a major health campaign is encouraging people across Rutherglen and Cambuslang to plan ahead if they depend on repeat prescriptions.

The NHS Scotland Be Health-Wise this Winter campaign is highlighting that GP surgeries across the two towns will be closed for up to four days because this year Christmas Day falls on a Monday.

John McAnaw, head of pharmacy at NHS 24, explained why it is important for people taking regular medication to make sure they have enough supplies to last them through to the New Year.

He said: “There’s always so much to get organised at this time of year, with only a couple of days left until Christmas.

“But it’s important to remember those winter health necessities on your ‘to do’ list.

“It’s also a good idea to pick up some over-thecounter remedies for winter ailments such as coughs and colds and if you need regular medications, take a minute to check you have enough left to cover the holiday period.

“It’s important not to waste medicines, so only order what you need, and pick it up in plenty of time.”

This year, GP surgeries are expected to close between Saturday, December 23 and Tuesday, December 26, but people are being advised to check their local surgery’s opening hours.

In cases of extreme emergency it is expected that some local pharmacies will be able to dispense enough medication to cater for people until their doctor surgery reopens.

People who run out should take along their empty pack or bottle, or the repeat ordering slip for the medication to the pharmacies operating over the festive period.