With so many winter illnesses around you may need to get to a pharmacy over the Christmas and New Year holidays to buy cough and cold remedies or to get a prescription.

To find a pharmacy open on the bank holidays please check the NHS website NHS England — South East » Pharmacy information for Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

The details are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change. You are advised to contact the pharmacy before attending to ensure they are open and have the medication you need.

But it's always better to be prepared for winter illnesses, so some useful additions to a home medicine cabinet could include:

• Paracetamol and aspirin, and equivalent syrups (such as Calpol) for children
• Mild laxatives to relieve constipation
• Rehydration mixtures for diarrhoea or vomiting
• Indigestion remedies
• Tweezers and sharp scissors to remove splinters or cut bandages
• A thermometer to check for fever
• A range of bandages, plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings for minor cuts, sprains and bruisess

For more information about self-care and NHS services please go to https://www.nhs.uk/