WYRE Forest NHS chiefs have advised residents to be prepared throughout the winter period especially when it comes to health.

NHS Wyre Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said it pays to be prepared with a well-stocked medicine cabinet for times when residents and their families are feeling under the weather.

Dr Simon Rumley, chairman and clinical lead for NHS Wyre Forest CCG, said: “Having home remedies to hand means peace of mind and self-care is often the best remedy in many instances.

“Common ailments such as colds, sore throats and coughs do not always need to be treated with a visit to the GP.

“Instead, the best cure is plenty of rest, keeping warm and a having a good medicine cabinet.”

The main medication that the CCG advise residents to have to hand includes pain relief tablets or liquid, anti-diarrhoea medicine, sore throat and cough remedies, plasters and bandages a thermometer, and children’s medication.

More winter health advice is available from the NHS Choices website at nhs.uk/asap