Several GP practices and community pharmacies across Lanarkshire will be open over the New Year public holidays.
This additional capacity is in place to support patients during a traditionally busy period for health services and to help people access the right care at the right time over the festive and winter period.
A number of GP practices across Lanarkshire will provide extra appointment availability on specific dates over the New Year period and into January.
Additional GP appointments will be available on:
- Friday 2 January 2026
- Saturday 3 January 2026
- Saturday 10 January 2026
- Saturday 17 January 2026
- Saturday 24 January 2026
- Saturday 31 January 2026
These sessions are in addition to normal weekday opening hours.
Mark Russell, Medical Director, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “GP practices across Lanarkshire continue to work hard to support patients over the festive and New Year period, when demand for services is often higher. The additional opening hours being provided will help ensure people can access the care they need closer to home, while also supporting wider health services during this busy time.
“Patients are encouraged to check local opening times in advance and to use the most appropriate service for their needs, helping ensure GP appointments are available for those who need them most.”
Community pharmacies across Lanarkshire remain open throughout the festive period, with several open over the New Year public holidays, providing easy access to advice and treatment for many common conditions such as coughs, colds, sore throats, minor skin conditions and aches and pains.
Through NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, pharmacists can assess, advise and, where appropriate, provide treatment without the need for a GP appointment. Pharmacies can also support patients with prescription collections and medication queries.
Graeme Bryson, Director of Pharmacy for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Community pharmacies play a vital role over the New Year period, providing convenient access to healthcare advice and treatment when people need it most. Many common conditions can be managed quickly and effectively by a local pharmacist, without the need to wait for a GP appointment.
“I would encourage people to make use of their local pharmacy over the New Year holidays, check opening times in advance, and plan ahead for any repeat prescriptions or medication needs.”
Up-to-date information on services over the New Year period is available at:
👉 www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/your-health/winter-health/
