THE NHS is encouraging people to plan their healthcare during the festive season.

With advice on common illnesses and the best medicines to treat them, visiting the pharmacist can save you time in the waiting room and help you feel better fast.

Dr John Omany, medical director at NHS England, said: “Your local pharmacy can help you with more than you think. Pharmacists offer expert, confidential advice and treatment for many minor health problems.”

Many pharmacies will remain open over the Christmas holidays, when other services are unavailable.

He added: “As most GP surgeries will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day we would also encourage patients to order any medication they need in plenty of time so they have a good supply during the festive period.”

The opening hours for Worcestershire can be found on the NHS Choices websites, along with information on walk-in centres, urgent care centres or minor injuries units. Patients can type in their postcode on the website to find their nearest services.

Pharmacy opening hours in Wyre Forest are as follows:

Christmas Day:

Kidderminster Late Night, 9 Lower Mill Street, DY11 6UU, is open from 11am to 1pm.

Boxing Day:

Boots UK, 15 Weavers Wharf, DY10 1AA, is open from 8am to 6pm.

Lloyds Pharmacy, Unit A5/A11, Swan Centre, DY10 2BA, is open from 10am to 4pm.

Sainsburys Pharmacy, 2 Carpet Trades Way, DY11 6XP, is open from 10am to 5pm.

New Year’s Day:

Boots UK, 15 Weavers Wharf, DY10 1AA, is open from 9am to 6pm.

Lloyds Pharmacy, Unit A5/A11, Swan Centre, DY10 2BA, is open from 10am to 4pm.

Sainsburys Pharmacy, 2 Carpet Trades Way, DY11 6XP, is open from 10am to 5pm.

For more information and to find your nearest pharmacy, visit www.nhs.uk