With the Christmas break approaching fast, doctors have urged people in Stone to make sure they are well stocked up for the holidays.
People need to be sure they have enough prescription medicines and over-the-counter treatments to last, says the Stafford and Surrounds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which represents 14 GP practices across Stone and Stafford working to commission health services for 150,00 people..
Stafford-based GP Dr Anne Marie Houlder, Clinical Lead for the CCG, said: “Some people always get caught out over the festive season because they are just too busy with other holiday preparations. It is important you check you have enough of your prescription medicines to last, and if you need a repeat prescription you should ask for it at your GP surgery in plenty of time. It’s also a good time to make sure your medicine cabinet is also well stocked up to cope with seasonal ailments like winter flu.”
Dr Houlder said that items to have on your Christmas holiday checklist include painkillers, cold and flu remedies, anti-diarrhoea medicine, oral rehydration salts, indigestion remedies, plasters and bandages.
She added: “It’s also a good idea to check any medicines already in your cabinet are still OK to use. If any medicines are past their use-by date, don’t take them. Please take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them safely.”
Find good information about winter health risks at www.nhs.uk
