With Christmas round the corner, doctors are advising people on what to do if a family member falls ill over the festive period.

GPs surgeries will be shut on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and over the weekend. 

Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group, which purchases health services on behalf of people in west Hertfordshire, is advising people on what they can do during this time.

People are advised to call 111 when they need medical help urgently, but it is not a 999 emergency. 

The service is designed to ensure people get to the best service to meet their health needs.

The body is also advising people to have a well stocked medicine cabinet to combat minor illnesses like coughs and colds and to ensure they have ordered repeat prescriptions to last over the holidays.

Pharmacies are open during the holiday period and can also give advice on medicines and minor illnesses and most have a consultation room.