The NHS in Devon is asking people in Devon 'to do what they can to prevent themselves becoming unwell’ as GP practices prepare to close over Christmas and New Year.

Patients across Devon are being asked by the health authority to call 111 if they need medical advice.

Most GP practices will close at the end of the day on Friday, December 24 and will reopen again on Wednesday, December 29 until Friday, December 31.

They will then be closed again from Saturday, January 1 until Monday, January 3 due to the New Year bank holiday.

Dr Alex Degan, NHS Devon’s primary care medical director, said: ’Most GP practices will be closed over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays, but there is support available from other NHS services.

’Whether you need over the counter medicines, a prescription or whether you just need to seek advice on mental or physical health conditions, there are a number of alternative NHS services available.’

The NHS in Devon’s advice is:

Call 111 or click on NHS 111 if you’re feeling unwell, not sure where to go or if you need health advice and guidance in non-life-threatening emergencies – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Consider self-care to treat minor illnesses and injuries like a coughs, colds, grazes, small cuts or a sore throat.

Look after yourself at home and keep a well-stocked cabinet of over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol or indigestion relief available from your local pharmacy.

Remember pharmacists advise and treat illnesses like diarrhoea, earache, painful cough, sticky eye, teething and rashes – and by visiting your pharmacy you can avoid an unnecessary trip to your GP or A&E and save time. Find your nearest pharmacy opening times here: www.england.nhs.uk/south/info-professional/pharm-info/pharmacy-opening-hours/.

Minor Injury Units (MIU), walk-in centres (WIC) and urgent treatment centres (UTC) provide non-urgent services for things like cuts, sprains, strain, bruises, itchy rashes, stings and minor burns.

For MIU locations and opening times, visit the NHS website or use 111.