THERE’S no good time to fall ill, but getting sick over Christmas can be especially miserable.
But if you need to see a doctor during the festive period remember that opening hours may be limited until after the New Year.
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Some surgeries might operate an out-of-hours service, but these can vary from practice to practice.
As Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day are bank holidays, surgeries will most likely be closed.
If you are sick, your surgery will be covered by the local out-of-hours GP service.
There will be a message on the surgery answering machine telling you how you can access this.
Just ring your normal surgery and write down the telephone number.
As always, it is better to check directly with your local GP about their opening hours over the festive season in case you do need assistance.
Other options
If you require urgent medical advice when your GP practice is closed you can call the NHS on 111.
They are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by dialling 111 free from any mobile or landline.
NHS 111 will assess you and give you the option to speak to a nurse, doctor or paramedic if appropriate.
You’ll then be advised where you need to go for treatment.
This could be an urgent treatment centre, an out-of-hours GP service, your local GP in normal hours, or the nearest A&E if necessary.
All urgent treatment centres have clear processes in place if it’s decided you need treatment at A&E rather than at the urgent treatment centre.
Many walk-in centres will be open as normal but it is always best to call and check the opening times before you head there.
Walk-in centres are for urgent care if you can’t wait for a GP appointment.
Urgent care centres are for serious but not life-threatening situations.
They can help with illnesses including ear/nose/throat symptoms, minor cuts and bruises, sprains and strains, abdominal pain, insect and animal bites, rashes and urinary tract infections.
If you think life is at risk, you should call 999.
Services are only really disrupted for a few days.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, it will be business as usual from January 2, 2020.
However, as Scotland has an extra bank holiday, normal hours will resume from January 3, 2020.
