Accessing NHS services over the Christmas and New Year period
The NHS is here to help you over the Christmas and New Year period – so make sure you
know your services to get the care you need.
GP practices will generally be closed on the bank holidays, so will not be making
appointments for in-person or telephone consultations on those days. Remember 111 online
can help you if you have a medical problem which isn’t an emergency, and you don’t know
what to do. Alternatively, you can contact the NHS 111 service by dialling 111.
Many pharmacies will also be closed, but some will operate on a rota system to provide
cover. A full list of pharmacy opening times is available on the NHS England website. It is a
good idea to be prepared for common health problems by stocking up the medicine cabinet
with over-the-counter medicines, especially cold and flu remedies.
Prescriptions
Please order any repeat prescriptions you require by Tuesday 20 December to ensure you
have adequate provision over the bank holidays. You can find out about all the ways you
can order your repeat prescriptions here. Please try to avoid going to your GP practice or
pharmacy to order prescriptions and only phone them if you cannot order online or by an
app.
GP hours over the bank holidays
GP practice services will largely be closed on the Christmas and New Year bank holidays,
Monday 26 December, Tuesday 27 December and Monday 2 January. If you need medical
advice on those days, please contact NHS 111 through either their online
service https://111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. NHS 111 will be able to assess you
and point you to the right service for you, based on your symptoms – whether that be to a
GP, Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), A&E or self-care – and can arrange a call back from a
nurse, doctor or other trained health professional should you need it, to get you the support
that you need.
If you are in a life-threatening situation
Please remember that if you have a medical emergency, such as a suspected heart attack,
stroke, or other serious life-threatening condition, call 999.
NHS website
Please check the NHS website for other useful information about accessing NHS services
over the bank holiday period.
