Over the upcoming festive period, there will be some changes to regular NHS services. Make sure you know what to do if you need to use health services this Christmas, check out our guide below.
Need urgent help? Just think NHS 111 first
If you need urgent help, visit 111.nhs.uk. You will be directed to the service to best meet your needs. If you are unable to use the website you can call 111 available 24/7.
Feel as though you’re in a crisis or overwhelmed?
If things are getting on top of you and you’re feeling anxious or stressed, support is available for over 18s 24/7. Call 111 and select the option for mental health crisis. Under 18s can call 0800 995 1000 for urgent help out of hours.
Charities like Samaritans can also provide support if you are struggling with your mental health. The Mind website also has advice, tips and useful contacts if the festive period is affecting your mental health and wellbeing.
Find out more about mental health locally, including talking therapies available near you, on our mental health services page. You can also speak to your GP practice to find out about what services are available from your GP practice. Remember your GP practice will be closed on the bank holidays.
Need medical advice? Try your pharmacy.
Pharmacies offer advice on many common conditions like colds, coughs, aches and pains; no appointment needed. The NHS website has much more information about local pharmacies such as opening times.
If you do have a cold or flu, then don’t go to the pharmacy yourself. Instead ask someone to go for you. Spread festive cheer this Christmas, not a winter bug.
Please remember that pharmacies will have different opening times over the festive period. On the bank holidays, Christmas Day and New Year’s day, your pharmacy may be shut. Use the nhs.uk Pharmacy Finder below to find your local pharmacy opening times:
Find a pharmacy (external website link)
Need to see a GP in the evening or at the weekend?
Evening and weekend appointments can be made by calling your GP surgery during normal hours or dialling 111 outside of normal hours.
You can also find out more about what is on offer in your area by visiting your PCN website. Not sure which PCN you belong to? Then check out our PCN finder page.
Urgent dentist appointments
You can call your dentist for urgent treatment. If you don’t have one, call 111 to make an appointment at an urgent dental care centre.
General Winter health advice
Our website has lots of information on staying well this winter, everything from managing respiratory conditions to avoiding falls.
Health A to Z
The nhs.uk website has a comprehensive A to Z of health conditions:
Health A to Z (external link)