AN EAST Lancashire Primary Care Trust has issued guidelines to encourage the best use of health services during the winter.

Blackburn with Darwen PCT says prevention is always the best cure and that it is important for people to be prepared.

Advice from the PCT includes:

Dress well, eat well, keep moving and keep a warm home.

Keep a well stocked medicine cabinet with paracetamol, including syrups for children, decongestant inhalations, plasters, cotton wool, bandages, dressings, safety pins, tweezers and sharp scissors.

Seek advice from pharmacists who are qualified to give expert advice on a range of ailments including sprains, headaches, colds, sore throats and stomach upsets.

For medical advice and care ring your GP's surgery for an appointment with the GP or practice nurse.

Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.

East Lancashire residents are also advised to look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

Dr Gifford Kerr, consultant in public health, said: "If you know someone who might be vulnerable during winter, be a good neighbour and look out for them.

"Take time for a chat as winter time can be lonely for some people. Watch for closed curtains, milk bottles on the doorstep, newspapers left in the door or no lights on in the evenings. If you are concerned for someone's safety, contact the police.

"Hypothermia is also a risk, it's important to be aware of the danger signs including very cold skin, drowsiness and slurred speech, not feeling cold even when it is cold.

"Do call an ambulance immediately, don't warm the person up suddenly, gradually warm up the room, give a warm drink but not alcohol."

The advice was greeted by Janette Rishton, from Higher Gate, Huncoat, who was out shopping with her niece Jemma Hodgson, 11. Janette, who had six of the items recommended by the Primary Care Trust for the medicine cabinet, said that the advice was welcome.

She said: "It's really good advice. We don't have any children but we do keep our medicine cabinet very well-stocked in case of an accident or illness."

Free advice about winter warmth is available by ringing Freephone 0800 085 7000 or Textphone 0800 085 7857.

Advice is also available 24/7 from NHS Direct on 0845 4647 and the NHS Direct Online website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk provides a database of hospitals, community services, GPs, dentists, opticians and pharmacies.