Did you know there is a whole team of healthcare experts near you who can offer help, advice and treatment without needing to go to your GP first?

On the high street your local pharmacy can offer advice on common illnesses as well as your medicines. And your local optometrist should be your first port of call for eye problems such as red eye.

Dentists should be contacted both in hours and out of hours for dental emergencies.

And if you are experience any muscle or joint pain you can contact the MSK helpline for advice and if they think you need to see a physiotherapist they will refer you directly.

And don’t forget the best expert of all – you! A well-stocked medicine cabinet will help you through those common winter bugs and colds without the need for a lengthy stint in a waiting room.

For more advice on what services can help you this winter as well as what you should always have at home go the NHS Lanarkshire website http://www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/Services/Know-Who-To-Turn-To/Pages/default.aspx