Medway Primary Care Trust has issued advice on what to do if you fall ill during the bad weather.

Some GP surgeries and pharmacies in the Towns may close earlier than usual today (Thursday).

Surgeries are still offering a service by phone.

Patients should ring the practice number and the surgery will advise you on what to do and, if your case is urgent, how you can see a GP today.

NHS Direct is also available for health queries or concerns. Call 0845 4647 or visit www.nhs.uk

Out of hours GP services, which are provided by Medway on Call Care (MedOCC) between 6.30pm and 8am, will continue.

Contact MedOCC if your surgery is closed and you have an urgent need for a GP appointment.

Call 01634 891855. MedOCC has clinics in Chatham, Gillingham and Rochester.

Medway Community Healthcare services may also be affected by the weather, although a spokesman said staff are working hard to provide services as usual as far as possible.

She added: “Vulnerable patients and essential users will be prioritised.”

Local pharmacies may be able to provide emergency medication if you need a new prescription and your GP surgery is closed.

Take your medication box and the pharmacist will try to give you enough tablets to tide you over.

Your GP can also telephone your prescription over to the pharmacy but this will only be accepted if the pharmacist knows the GP.

Patients are being advised to call their local pharmacy to check it is open before making a journey.

Housebound and elderly patients should check with their pharmacy about the delivery of their medication.

For details of pharmacies and GPs in Medway, including phone numbers, see the Guide to GP surgeries and pharmacies at

www.medwaypct.nhs.uk