FIFERS are being advised to make sure they have enough of their prescription medication to last throughout the festive period.

With GP surgeries closing for a maximum of four days over Christmas and New Year, a number of pharmacies in Central and West Fife will be open on public holidays.

On Christmas Day the Well Pharmacy on Elliot Street, Dunfermline, will be open from noon to 2pm.

The pharmacy at Asda Halbeath will be open on Boxing Day from 9am to 6pm, on Tuesday December 27 from 9am to 6pm, New Year's Day from noon to 6pm and January 2 and 3, from 9am to 6pm.

Boots the Chemist, in the Kingsgate Shopping Centre, will also be open on Boxing Day from 10am to 5pm, on December 27 from 9am to 5pm, on January 2 from 10am to 5pm and January 3, when it will open from 9am to 5pm.

The pharmacy in Morrisons in Cowdenbeath will be open on Tuesday December 27 and January 3 from 10am to 4pm.

Dr John McAnaw, a pharmacist and NHS 24’s associate clinical director, said: "Over the holidays every year, NHS 24 receives thousands of calls from the public who have run out of essential prescribed medication.

“This can obviously be a very stressful situation for most people, however, by being organised and ordering any required prescriptions in advance, this would avoid this scenario and ensure that the 111 service can help more people who require urgent healthcare advice.

"Due to both Christmas and Hogmanay falling on a weekend this year, many pharmacies and healthcare providers will be closed for a period of four days on each occasion.

“Therefore it is so important that people plan ahead, order only what they need and pick it up in plenty of time before these holidays."

Dr Laura Ryan, NHS 24’s medical director, added: “We are anticipating very high call volumes over the festive break and a continued high demand for the 111 service.

"NHS 24 staff continue to work tirelessly, with a commitment to deliver safe and effective services 24/7 and answer every call as quickly as possible.

“It’s vital that everyone is aware of what help and advice there is out there over the Christmas and New Year public holidays.

“For any health care advice or information that is urgent, but not life-threatening, go online and use nhsinform.scot.

"NHS inform has lots of health guidance, whether that be self-care advice, information on the appropriate healthcare providers that are close to home.

"It also explains when and why to call the 111 service."

She continued: "If you do fall ill over the festive period, it’s essential you know where to get the right care, in the right place.

"Anyone in a situation considered life-threatening or an emergency, should still always call 999 or go straight to the emergency department.”