How to get medical help and an out-of-hours GP over Christmas explained
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Falling sick during the holiday season is never a welcome experience. But what happens if you need medical care during the Christmas period?. Many GP surgeries shut their doors on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day as these are bank holidays. However, there are usually still options to reach a local out-of-hours GP service if needed.
For those requiring immediate medical advice, the NHS 111 service operates 24/7, every day of the year, according to the Express. Its specialists will assess your condition and, if necessary, connect you with a doctor, nurse or paramedic. You may then be directed to an urgent treatment centre, an out-of-hours GP service, your regular GP during standard hours, or even the nearest A&E department.
However, the service insists that it cannot do the following:. On the other hand, some walk-in centres might also remain open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Walk-in centres cater to a variety of illnesses including ear, nose, throat symptoms, minor cuts and bruises, sprains and strains, abdominal pain, insect and animal bites, rashes and urinary tract infections.
Find out about the symptoms you need to watch out for and get health advice with our free health newsletter from the Mirror. Despite this, it's always advised to ring ahead and check the opening hours before heading to your local clinic. When GPs are closed, it's likely they will be busy, potentially leading to lengthy waiting times.
In the event of a life-threatening emergency or serious situation, it's absolutely vital to dial 999. In a new statement, NHS England North West’s Medical Director for System Improvement and Professional Standards Dr Gareth Wallis stressed: "The NHS is here for you if you need us over the festive season.