Doctors are advising West Devon residents to stock up their medicine cabinets in preparation for the Easter holiday, starting tomorrow (Friday). From today (Thursday) at 6.30pm until Tuesday April 10 at 8am, Devon GP surgeries will be shut, and patients will be directed via practice ansaphones, to the out-of-hours service, Devon Doctors. Many pharmacies across Devon will reduce their opening hours too. John Finn, a pharmacist with Devon Primary Care Trust said: 'In preparation for the Easter break, we're asking people to make sure they have enough of their usual medication, including repeat prescriptions.' 'We're also advising people to stock up medicine cabinets to help with the minor infections such as coughs, colds, headaches and stomach upsets, for example.' Mr Finn said patients who needed a doctor during the night should ring Devon Doctors as soon as possible rather than waiting until the morning. If patients call earlier they could be assessed and treated more quickly. Devon Doctors can be contacted through the GP surgery or by ringing 0845 6710 270. In an emergency, patients should ring 999 or go to their nearest accident and emergency department.
