Make sure you know where to go if you need NHS help over Christmas and New Year.
The festive season is a busy time for the NHS, but you can help ease the pressure by choosing the right service.
Some pharmacies will remain open to help treat minor illnesses, such as diarrhoea, a runny nose, a cough, or a headache.
As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses.
If symptoms suggest it's something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need.
Pharmacies provide the following services:
- NHS prescriptions dispensing
- access to repeat prescription service, with agreement from your GP
- advice on treating minor health concerns and healthy living
- disposal of unwanted or out-of-date medicines
- non-prescription medicines, like paracetamol.
It’s important to order any repeat prescriptions early, ahead of the festive bank holidays when GP practices and some pharmacies will be closed.
If you need an emergency supply of medication, a pharmacist can help. Subject to the decision of the pharmacist; you may need to pay for an emergency supply. Find information on what to do if you have run out of prescription medicine.
Find out when pharmacies will be open during the festive bank holidays.
