A LEADING North-East GP is urging older patients to keep all the medicines they need in a single bag and to take them with them if they go to hospital.

Dr Neil O’Brien, chief clinical officer with the North Durham Clinical Commissioning Group said he was backing a new NHS-funded campaign - called My Medicines, My Health – which introduces the idea of keeping all your medication in a single bag and container

Dr O’Brien said the idea behind the the campaign was to help older people who might have several long term health issues and be on several medicines at once.

He said: “To stay healthy, it’s important that you take all your medicines in the right way -and at the right time."

Dr O’Brien said patients should get into the habit of using a bag like the Green Medicine Bag.

“Tell family members and anyone who cares for you where you keep it, so it can easily be found in an emergency,” he added.

The NHS campaign features on regional TV adverts, radio, social media, and in shopping centres.