Most GP surgeries are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
Becoming unwell during the festive season is never a pleasant prospect. But what occurs if you require ‘urgent medical help’ over Christmas? Most GP practices close their doors on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day as these are bank holidays.
Nevertheless, the Department of Health and Social Care has emphasised that alternatives are available if you need assistance out of hours. In a post to X, it said: “The NHS App allows you to access online NHS services over Christmas.
“From prescription tracking features, to managing your appointments, and much more. If you need urgent medical help, use 111, and if it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency, please call 999.”
The official NHS App is primarily designed for residents of England or the Isle of Man who are at least 13 years old and registered with a GP practice in these regions. It can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
With complete access, users can undertake a variety of health-related activities, including the following:
- Order repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy where you would like to collect them
- Book and manage appointments
- View your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines (if your GP has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results)
- Book and manage COVID-19 vaccinations
- Register your organ donation decision
- Choose how the NHS uses your data
- Vew your NHS number (find out what your NHS number is)
- Use NHS 111 online to answer questions and get instant advice or medical help near you
Residents of Scotland are encouraged to use a different NHS 24 Online app or platform MyCare.scot, while those in Wales should use the NHS Wales App. Meanwhile, the NHS 111 phone line for ‘urgent medical help’ is available throughout the UK 24/7, every day of the year, including Christmas and Boxing Day.
Upon reaching out, their specialists will assess your circumstances and, where necessary, connect you with a nurse, doctor, or paramedic. You might be directed to an urgent treatment centre, an out-of-hours GP service, your usual GP during standard hours, or the nearest A&E department.
However, the service confirms it cannot carry out the following tasks:
- Issue fit notes – you need to contact your GP
- Make or cancel appointments for you in other parts of the NHS
Whilst NHS 111 operates across the UK, its online platform is available solely in England and should only be utilised for people aged five and above. Those living in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland should access their regional online services or dial 111, which will direct them to the appropriate support service.
Online guidance from the NHS explains: “If your symptoms mean you need a callback from a nurse, you will be offered one and given a timeframe. You cannot request a callback. 111 online users or people who have called 111 go into the same callback queue and the waiting times are the same.”
It also adds: “111 online has about 120 topics, covering most common symptoms. We can triage one symptom at a time. If you have multiple symptoms, pick the one that is bothering you most. We cannot give advice about conditions you already know you have.”
If you are deaf but need to contact 111 by phone, you can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service. You can also dial 18001 111 through the Relay UK app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, or use a traditional textphone if you face difficulties communicating.
However, in life-threatening situations or serious incidents, dialling 999 remains the best course of action. This emergency line is designed to handle critical situations such as road traffic accidents, strokes, and heart attacks.
The NHS adds: “Calling 999 does not always mean an ambulance will be sent. You might be told it’s safe for you to make your own way to A&E, or to be seen elsewhere.”
