News

Stay ‘elfy this Christmas

As we prepare for the Christmas and New Year period, NHS England (London) is sharing important information about how Londoners can access health services if they need them.

Although not every GP practice will be open over the holidays, Londoners will be able to book routine GP appointments in the evenings, weekends and over the bank holiday thanks to improved access to GP services in the city. In many areas, walk-in clinics and urgent care centres will also be open. To get information about those services, Londoners are advised to visit their local CCG website.

London has become the first area in the country to offer everyone access to GP services seven days a week, with additional appointments available in the evenings and at weekends. These appointments will be available all through the seasonal period (including Christmas Day). You can book an appointment by calling NHS 111 or by speaking to your GP practice.

Londoners are also advised to remember to stock up on repeat prescriptions before the Christmas break begins but if you do need to visit a pharmacy, a full list of their opening hours can be downloaded online.

Over the Christmas period, you can also ring NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice, but it’s not an emergency. The service is staffed by a team of fully trained advisers, supported by experienced nurses and paramedics and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Professor Jane Cummings, Regional Director for NHS England (London) said:

“We want everyone in the capital to stay healthy and enjoy the festive period.”

“If you do become unwell at any point, Londoners should be reassured that a range of urgent services are in place across the city, with resources to respond to expected demand. However, please make sure that you look after yourself and others over the festive season. Older people are among the most vulnerable to falling ill during the winter months, especially in the colder weather, so please seek help early if you need it.”