People are urged to make sure their medicine cabinets are stocked up and repeat prescriptions are ordered in time for the Christmas and New Year holiday.

Over the festive period most pharmacists and GP surgeries will be closed, so plan ahead and order repeat prescription at least five days before.

You can find a list of Thames valley pharmacies which are open over holiday period here  

If you need health advice when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 to get advice on local services which are open.

You can also visit NHS choices at www.nhs.uk

Emergency Departments (A&E) and the 999 emergency ambulance service provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. In these cases call 999 immediately.

Choosing the right NHS service will help get you the best advice and reduces pressure on A&E and GP services, freeing them up to help those who need it most.