If you need to see a GP over Christmas and New Year’s Day, here’s what you can do when your surgery is closed
Falling sick during the holiday season is never a welcome experience. But what happens if you need medical care during the Christmas period?
Many GP surgeries shut their doors on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day as these are bank holidays. However, there are usually still options to reach a local out-of-hours GP service if needed.
For those requiring immediate medical advice, the NHS 111 service operates 24/7, every day of the year, according to the Express. Its specialists will assess your condition and, if necessary, connect you with a doctor, nurse or paramedic.
You may then be directed to an urgent treatment centre, an out-of-hours GP service, your regular GP during standard hours, or even the nearest A&E department.
However, the service insists that it cannot do the following:
- Issue fit notes you need to contact your GP
- Make or cancel appointments for you in other parts of the NHS
On the other hand, some walk-in centres might also remain open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Walk-in centres cater to a variety of illnesses including ear, nose, throat symptoms, minor cuts and bruises, sprains and strains, abdominal pain, insect and animal bites, rashes and urinary tract infections.
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Despite this, it’s always advised to ring ahead and check the opening hours before heading to your local clinic. When GPs are closed, it’s likely they will be busy, potentially leading to lengthy waiting times.
In the event of a life-threatening emergency or serious situation, it’s absolutely vital to dial 999. In a new statement, NHS England North West’s Medical Director for System Improvement and Professional Standards Dr Gareth Wallis stressed: “The NHS is here for you if you need us over the festive season.
“NHS 111 is an excellent option for healthcare support and advice on non-emergency health problems. It can direct you to the most appropriate local treatment, whether that’s your GP, a pharmacy, a call back from a nurse, or an urgent walk-in treatment centre. However, in an emergency, such as when someone is seriously ill or injured, people should still call 999 or visit A&E.”
