The National Health Service (NHS) is urging people to take preventive measures throughout festive period top avoid putting pressure on the health system.

Demand is always high for NHS urgent and emergency services during winter and particularly at Christmas and new year.

As a result, the NHS has started planning earlier than ever before with hospitals, GPs, social services and other health professionals working out the best way of providing urgent care services locally, while enabling A&E to be kept free for those who need it most.

Advice being given includes self care – minor cuts and grazes, minor bruises, a sprain or a slight cough or cold, you are best to deal with it yourself in the first instance, keeping a few handy medicines and treatments at home for when you might need them.

Also, they are advising speaking to a pharmacist as your first port of call.

Call NHS 111 if you are unsure, or it is outside GP hours, as NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for help, and you can also go online to 111.nhs.uk

Other advice given is speak to your GP or if treatment is required, then use the Walk-in Centre based next to A&E at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (Mytton Oak Rd, Shrewsbury, SY3 8XQ).

It is GP-led, open from 8am-8pm, every day and equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people attend A&E for - including broken bones, sprains and strains, minor cuts and wound infections.

In north Shropshire, there is Oswestry Health Centre (01691 663617; 8.30am-6pm week days, 8.30am-1pm weekends) and Whitchurch Community Hospital (01948 660834; 8am-5pm week days, closed weekends).

If there is an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.

For pharmacy opening times over Christmas and New Year check www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk