BNSSG Healthier Together

Plan ahead for bank holiday healthcare

20 December 2024

Health leaders in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are urging people to plan ahead for their healthcare needs over the festive bank holidays.

Bank holidays fall on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December this year as well as New Year’s Day (Wednesday 1 January), and while urgent and emergency care services will continue to be available as usual, GPs and some pharmacies will be closed on these days.

Local GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, Dr Geeta Iyer, said: “Christmas and New Year is always a very busy time of year and it’s easy to forget that local GPs and some pharmacies will be closed on the bank holidays.

“However there are some simple steps you can take to make sure you’re not caught out by the bank holiday closures, like picking up repeat medication in good time and checking your home medicine cabinet.

“It’s also important to remember that urgent care services, including emergency pharmacists, minor injury units and more are all available during the bank holidays if you need them. Contact NHS 111 online or by phone at any time to be guided to the right service for your needs.”

She added: “Outside the bank holidays, most services, including GPs, will be open as normal during the festive period. However it’s important to remember that this period often sees increased demand on local services so please think carefully about which service will be best for you.

“Consider whether your pharmacist could help with minor ailments, and contact NHS 111 first, online or by phone, if you’re thinking of going to A&E but it’s not a life-threatening emergency.”

Healthcare options over the festive period:

  • Self-care: Be prepared for very minor conditions by stocking up on home medicine essentials – paracetamol or aspirin, antihistamines for allergic reactions, indigestion remedies and a basic first aid kit. The NHS website has self-care advice for a wide range of winter ailments like coughs and colds.
  • Handi App: Parents of young children can consult the Handi App for advice on common childhood ailments. The app has been developed by paediatric consultants and offers home care plans for a range of common conditions. Search for “Handi App” on Google Play or iTunes.
  • Pharmacists: Pharmacists provide expert, confidential advice and treatment for minor ailments as well as advising on repeat medication, contraception and sexual health. They can also now supply prescription-only medicines for some common conditions, without you needing to see a GP. Most are open throughout the festive period, and emergency pharmacists also open on the bank holidays. Find your local pharmacy.
  • NHS 111: The NHS 111 service is available 24 hours a day by phone, or online at 111.nhs.uk. If you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need, or you need to contact a GP when your practice is closed, make sure you contact NHS 111 first. NHS 111 will help you right away and direct you to the best service for your needs.
  • GPs: Most GPs will be open between Christmas and New Year and you can continue to contact them as normal outside of the bank holidays. During bank holidays, if you think you need help right away and it can’t wait until your practice reopens, contact NHS 111 online or by phone for immediate support and guidance.
  • Minor Injuries: Minor Injury Units (MIUs) and Urgent Treatment Centres treat less serious injuries such as cuts and grazes, sprains and strains and trips and falls. Services are open in Yate, South Bristol and Clevedon throughout the holiday period; see the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire website for details.
  • Mental health support: One in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem at some point that affects their daily life, relationships or physical health. There is a range of support services available locally to support individual needs, visit the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire website for more information. For urgent mental health crisis support, contact NHS 111.
  • 999 and A&E: 999 services and A&E services are available 24 hours a day for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, chest pain, strokes or breathing difficulties. If it’s not life-threatening, but you think you need help right away, contact NHS 111 online or by phone.