Getting Help Over Christmas and New Year

The last thing any of us want at Christmas is to get ill. Here’s how to get medical help over the festive period, especially when GP practices are closed.

Think Pharmacy First

On top of everyday coughs, colds, aches and pains, local pharmacies can treat seven more common conditions without patients needing to see a GP.

Highly trained pharmacists can now assess patients and prescribe treatment for:

• Earaches (for people aged 1-17)
• Impetigo (skin infections)(1+)
• Infected insect bites or stings (1+)
• Shingles (18+)
• Sinusitis (12+)
• Sore throat (5+)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64.

You don’t need an appointment to see a Pharmacist. Many Pharmacies will have longer opening hours than GP practices, especially in the evenings, at weekends and on Bank Holidays.

Remember, you can go to any Pharmacy that’s convenient. 

So, if you’re visiting friends and family over the festive season, you can still get the help you need close to where you are.

You can also use the NHS App’s prescription barcode collection feature to pick up your latest batch of medication from anywhere.

Don’t wait for minor health concerns to get worse – think pharmacy first and get seen by your local pharmacy team.

NHS 111 and NHS App

When GP practices are closed and pharmacists can’t help, NHS 111 is your best option.

By using the NHS App, visiting 111.NHS.uk or calling 111, you can:

• Get help and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Check your symptoms and get advice on conditions and medication.
• Find self-help resources and links.
• Find out what services are available near you.
• Be connected to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist, or GP.
• Get a face-to-face appointment if you need one.

Please keep A&E free for genuine emergencies this Christmas.

You should only ever call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency if it is a life-threatening situation.

Healthier Together

If you have children, then download the Healthier Together app. 

The Healthier Together app gives parents and guardians help, advice, and reassurance when they are worried about their child.

The app and website have been developed specifically for the North East and provide clear, reliable advice from trusted NHS sources.