DOCTORS’ surgeries in Cumnock and Doon Valley will shut their doors next week.

With GP practices closing on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December, East Ayrshire 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 pharmacyrelated questions over the telephone on 111. In addition, NHS inform has valuable advice on preparing for winter – visit www.nhsinform.scot and click on ‘Be health-wise this winter’.

Roisin Kavanagh, Director of Pharmacy, explains: “You can do a number of things to make sure you are prepared to deal with common illnesses for the coming months.

“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.”

All pharmacies will be closed, Wednesday 25 except: Boots, 9/11 St Marnock Street, Kilmarnock – open 2pm – 4pm.

Lloyds Pharmacy, 16 Central Avenue, Kilmarnock – open 12noon – 2pm All pharmacies will be closed on Thursday, December 26 except: Boots, 62/70 King Street, Kilmarnock – open 11am to 4pm.

Wm Morrisons Pharmacy, West Langlands Street, Kilmarnock – open 10am – 4pm.

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.