NHS Lanarkshire is encouraging people to plan ahead and use community pharmacies over the festive period, with several pharmacies open on the public holidays on 25 and 26 December 2024 and 1 and 2 January 2025.
Community pharmacies play a vital role in supporting people to stay well over winter, and their availability on public holidays provides essential access to care during one of the busiest times of year for NHS services.
Being open on the December and January public holidays means people can still get expert advice, treatment for common conditions and access to medicines when demand on urgent and emergency services is traditionally high.
Pharmacies will also be open during their usual hours between the bank holidays, including Saturdays.
Pharmacists can provide help for minor illnesses, medication queries and urgent prescription needs without the need for an appointment, helping people get the right care quickly and close to home. Extended pharmacy opening over the festive period also supports those who may run out of medication unexpectedly or need advice to manage symptoms safely until routine services resume.
Graeme Bryson, Director of Pharmacy for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Community pharmacies remain a vital part of our health and care system, particularly during the festive period. Several pharmacies across Lanarkshire will be open on the public holidays on 25 and 26 December, and again on 1 and 2 January, offering advice, treatment for common conditions and access to medicines.
“Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals and can help with a wide range of minor illnesses without the need for an appointment. We would encourage people to think pharmacy first this winter, plan ahead for repeat prescriptions, and make use of the support available locally to help them stay well and avoid unnecessary pressure on GP practices and A&E.”
Many common winter illnesses – including coughs, colds, sore throats, stomach upsets and minor aches and pains – can be safely and effectively treated by a community pharmacist.
Details of pharmacy opening times over the festive period are available on the NHS Lanarkshire website:
https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/your-health/winter-health/pharmacy/
