Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
We Are Closed
0191 226 0226

Reminder: The NHS is Very Busy Between Christmas and New Year

Published on: 26 Dec 2024

Reminder: The NHS is Very Busy Between Christmas and New Year

The time between Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest for the NHS. It’s important to keep this in mind when seeking medical help.

Here’s what you can do to make the best use of NHS services and get the help you need.

Know Where to Go

Pharmacy: Pharmacists can help with many minor illnesses, such as colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and UTIs. You don’t need an appointment, and Pharmacies may be open when GP practices are closed.

Find a Pharmacy

NHS 111: Call 111 or visit 111 online or in the NHS App for urgent medical advice. They can guide you on what to do next.

NHS 111
NHS App

Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC): For issues like cuts, burns, or sprains, visit a local urgent treatment centre.

Minor Injuries Unit
Queen Victoria Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4LP

Emergency Services

Only go to A&E or call 999 in a real emergency, such as chest pain, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing.

Be Prepared

  • Keep essential medicines at home, like painkillers and cold remedies.
  • Order repeat prescriptions early to avoid running out.
  • Take extra care to stay safe and healthy.

By using the right services, you can help the NHS focus on those who need urgent care. Thank you for your patience and understanding this festive season.

For more information, visit NHS 111 online.

You may also like to read...

Getting Help Over Christmas and New Year

Continue reading

Order Prescriptions Early: Christmas and New Year Opening Times

Continue reading

From the 2nd February 2026 we are moving to a Total Triage model.

Total triage is how we manage appointments at our practice.
You will fill out a e-consult rather than calling the surgery and tell us about your problem.

Ideally, patients will submit their own request however we appreciate that this may not be possible for some patients. If you are unable to use or access the online form then please contact the surgery by telephone and we will complete the request for you, which will be added to the triage list to be reviewed by the GP.

A clinician will review your information and decide the best way to help you, which may be advice, a phone call, or an appointment.

We will have three types of appointments:

• Same day – for emergencies (A member of staff will contact you to book the appointment)
• Within 5 days – for patients that need to see or speak to a healthcare professional soon, but not urgently.
• Within 10 days – for routine appointments.

The main purpose of total triage is to make sure you receive high-quality care by getting the right advice or appointment for your needs as quickly as possible.

Please ensure you have completed the e-consult in full with as much information as possible.

To fill out a e-consult please click here

for more help on filling out a e-consult on the NHS app please visit the e-consult NHS app guide.

Share via
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Copy link
CopyCopied