With GP practices and many pharmacies closing for the May bank holiday (Monday 7 May), residents are being urged to prepare to cope with any common health concerns.

Community pharmacists can answer questions on choosing and using the right medicine and provide easy-to-understand advice on treating everyday ailments such as coughs, colds and flu. NHS 24 also has a number of pharmacists who are able to answer medicine and pharmacy-related questions over the telephone on 111. In addition, NHS inform has valuable advice – visit www.nhsinform.scot.

Gail Caldwell, Director of Pharmacy, explains: “You can do a number of things to make sure you are prepared to deal with common illnesses. Have a sufficient supply of medicines like paracetamol, sore throat and cough remedies, as these will help to relieve the symptoms of common ailments.

“If you take regular medication, you should check your existing supplies and only order what you need to ensure you have enough to see you through the holiday weekend. It is also a good idea to make sure you know when your local GP practice and community pharmacy are closed.”

Over the May bank holiday, when GP practices are closed, you can still get advice from a community pharmacist or NHS 24.

All pharmacies in North Ayrshire will be closed on Monday 7 May except: Boots, 42 Main Street, Largs – open 8.30am – 6.15pm, Superdrug, 6B Aitken Street, Largs – open 8.30am – 5.30pm, Halliday Pharmacy, 5 Aitken Street, Largs – open 8.30am – 4pm, Morrison’s Pharmacy, 4 Irvine Road, Largs – open 10am – 4pm and Cumbrae Pharmacy, 30 Stuart Street, Millport – open 9am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 5.30pm

Going to the correct healthcare provider means you will be seen quicker and more efficiently. If you need a doctor or dentist and it cannot wait until your GP or dental surgery is open, call NHS 24 on 111.