HEALTH bosses are asking for Borderers to ease festive waiting times by preparing for Christmas.

All local health centres and GP practices will be closed for public holidays on December 25 and 26 as well as into the new year on the January 1 and 2.

But everyone is being urged to remember that an essential part of keeping the Borders safe this Christmas is making sure emergency departments are kept for emergencies.

And potential patients are asked to consider self-care before making a trip to A&E.

A spokesperson for NHS Borders told us: “Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries.

“A range of common complaints such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains can be treated with plenty of rest and a well-stocked medicine cabinet including paracetamol, ibuprofen, anti-diarrhoea medication, rehydration mixtures, indigestion or heartburn remedies, a thermometer and plasters.”

Some community pharmacists will remain open over the festive period and they can provide advice and treatment for many common illnesses and ailments as well as give valued information about medicine usage.

Details of opening times for the local pharmacies are available on the NHS Borders website.

Health professionals advise that repeat prescriptions should be ordered and collected in enough time to ensure prescribed medicines are kept handy over the festive period.

For health problems that can’t wait until GP surgeries re-open the NHS 24-hour helpline can be contacted on 111 and for immediately life-threatening conditions 999 can be dialled as always for an emergency ambulance.