A health board has issued a warning to patients to stock up on medications before the Easter break. 

NHS Lanarkshire said GP practices will be closed on Friday,  March 29 and Monday, April 1, for Easter.

Many community pharmacies, however, will remain open on these days.

The health organisation has also thanked Lanarkshire residents for ensuring they have access to adequate medication supplies before the Easter weekend.

This comes as NHS Lanarkshire's out-of-hours team witnessed more than 250 prescription requests last year during the same period.

Dr Mark Russell, medical director, said: "When your GP surgery is closed and you are too ill to wait, you can access NHS Lanarkshire out of hours’ service by calling NHS 24 on 111.

"Unfortunately, last year during the Easter weekend we received a significant number of routine medication requests as well as calls for minor and non-urgent problems.

"Many of these patients could have turned to a more appropriate place for help.

“We understand that when someone has an illness or an ailment, they will want help as soon as possible.

"However, we would like to remind the public that the out of hours’ service is for those who are in urgent need of medical treatment but cannot wait until their GP practice opens."

He reminded people to plan ahead and ensure they have necessary medication well-stocked.

Lauren Gibson, lead pharmacist for community pharmacy services, said: "As we approach and prepare for the Easter holidays, community pharmacies can be a great first port of call for healthcare advice and treatments for many common minor clinical conditions, without the need for a prescription or prior appointment.

“We have the Pharmacy First Service, where your pharmacist can support with minor conditions such as coughs and colds, sore throats, upset stomachs, constipation and diarrhoea. Pharmacies can also provide access to emergency hormonal contraception."

A new Spring Health Hub website was launched to guide Lanarkshire residents through the healthcare options available and enable them in seeking the appropriate care at the correct time.

The centralised online resource offers information on all available healthcare services, tailored specifically to the spring season.

The hub can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/kcr9s2vh.