NORTH Ayrshire residents are being urged to prepare to cope with any common health concerns ahead of some GP practices and pharmacies closing during the Easter holiday break.

Many pharmacies across the area will be closed between Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6 so NHS Ayrshire and Arran is warning people to plan ahead.

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 community pharmacists who are able to answer medicine and pharmacy-related questions over the telephone on 111.

The public can also do a number of things to ensure they 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.

People who take regular medication should they check their existing supplies and only order what they need to ensure they have enough to see them through the weekend, Good Friday, Easter Monday and holidays away from home.

Your community pharmacist can give you advice on the best way to take your medicines, give women advice and supply emergency hormonal contraception, dispense prescriptions, give advice on diet and exercise and give you advice over the telephone.

Most pharmacies in North Ayrshire are open on Good Friday (April 3) with the exception of: Gallagher Pharmacy, 6 Central Avenue, Ardrossan Gallagher Pharmacy, 41 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan Newfield Pharmacy, 18 Main Street, Dalry Gallagher Pharmacy, 1 New Street, Dalry Townhead Pharmacy, Station Plaza , Kilwinning Gallagher Healthcare Ltd, 19 Dockhead Street, Saltcoats Gallagher Healthcare Ltd, 41 Hamilton Street, Saltcoats Gallagher Healthcare Ltd, 17/19 Raise Street, Saltcoats Gallagher Pharmacy, 13 New Street, Stevenston.

Most pharmacies in North Ayrshire will be closed on Easter Monday (6 April) with the exception of: Arran Pharmacy, Lamlash, Isle of Arran, open 9am – 4pm Arran Pharmacy, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, open 9am – 4pm Arran Pharmacy, Brodick, Isle of Arran, open 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm Boots, 77 Dockhead Street, Saltcoats, open 9am – 5.30pm.

Normal weekend opening hours will apply for all pharmacies on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5.

If you need a doctor urgently and your GP’s surgery is closed, call NHS 24 on 111.

For emergency dental treatment, call NHS 24 on 111.