As the holiday season approaches, NHS Lanarkshire is urging residents to plan ahead by checking the opening hours for GP practices and local pharmacies.
With some GP practices offering additional winter hours during the holiday period, residents can take proactive steps to ensure they have access to the healthcare they need without unnecessary delays.
A number of GP practices will be open for extended hours on selected days to help meet the increased demand during winter. In addition to normal working hours, some practices will be open on the public holidays following Christmas and New Year, specifically on Thursday, 26 December 2024, and Thursday, 2 January 2025.
Additional Saturday hours will also be available on 28 December 2024, 4 January, 11 January, 18 January, and 25 January 2025.
Dr Chris Deighan, NHS Lanarkshire’s Executive Medical Director, said: “The additional winter hours offered by many GP practices are there to support residents with urgent health concerns who may need assistance over the holiday period. We encourage everyone to plan ahead, check their local practice’s opening hours, and consider any healthcare needs in advance to avoid unnecessary trips to A&E for non-emergency concerns.”
In addition to GP practices, many pharmacies across Lanarkshire will also be open during the winter period to support residents with a wide range of minor health issues and essential prescription needs. Pharmacies are well-equipped to assist with over-the-counter medications, provide health advice, and answer questions about minor ailments, helping residents receive prompt, professional guidance close to home.
Graeme Bryson, Director of Pharmacy, said: “Community pharmacies are a valuable resource for quick, reliable health support, particularly during the winter months. Our pharmacy teams are available to provide advice on managing minor conditions, accessing over-the-counter treatments, and offering guidance on repeat prescriptions. We want to remind residents that pharmacies are there to help and can often save a trip to other healthcare services.”
Pharmacy and GP practice opening times, including specific hours over Christmas and New Year, are available on the NHS Lanarkshire online Winter Health Hub
The online hub offers up-to-date information to help residents choose the most suitable healthcare option, as well as practical resources to manage their health during the winter season.
By checking GP and pharmacy hours and planning for routine healthcare needs ahead of time, Lanarkshire residents can help keep emergency services free for those who need urgent care this winter.
The online Winter Health Hub can be accessed by visiting: www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/your-health/winter-health/.
