Are doctors open over Christmas and New Year's in England? Where to go if you need medical care
Cases of the flu have been rising this winter 🤧
- Cases of the flu are continuing to surge ahead of Christmas.
- GP surgeries will be closing their doors over the holiday season.
- Here’s where you can go if you find yourself in need of medical attention.
The last thing you want this Christmas is to be under the weather, but with cases of the flu continuing to rise after an early start to the season, some of us may find ourselves falling sick over the holidays.
People across England are being urged to choose the best option for their healthcare this Christmas to ease the pressure on the NHS. The holidays will impact the opening hours of your GP and pharmacies. Here’s everything you need to know about where to go for medical care at Christmas.
Are doctors open over Christmas and New Year's?
Opening hours of GP surgeries over the Christmas holidays will vary. GP surgeries will be closed on Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25), Boxing Day (Friday, December 26) and New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1), as these are bank holidays.
You can find the opening hours of your nearest GP surgery by entering your postcode on NHS.UK.
Where to go for medical care at Christmas?
If you find yourself needing medical care over the Christmas holidays and your GP surgery is closed, there are some options available.
If your issue is urgent but not life-threatening, the NHS 111 service can offer you support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including bank holidays. You can visit the NHS 111 website or call NHS 111.
For less serious accidents and illnesses, you can present to your nearest walk-in clinic or minor injuries unit. In case of a life-threatening emergency, go to your local A&E department or call 999 for an ambulance.
You can find out more about how to stay well this winter at NHS.UK.