HEALTH chiefs are urging people to make sure they have a well-stocked medicine cabinet.

The call is coming in a bid to cut down on the number of people who needlessly make an appointment with their GP.

"The key is to make sure your medicine cabinet is stocked with the right items," said Mike Deakin, director of health for Herefordshire Health Authority.

"To help cope with illness, minor injury and some of the excesses of the festive season, we recommend you stock up with the following: paracetamols, paracetamols in syrup form for babies over three months, aromatic inhalations, thermometer, selection of plasters, safety pin, tweezers and sharp scissors.

"You must always make sure that medicines are kept out of sight and reach of children and that your medicines are in a cool place and in their original containers.

"We also advise that you make sure they're not past their expiry date - if they are don't flush them down the toilet, your local pharmacist will get rid of them for you."