Services over Christmas and New Year
Many services will be closed, or have reduced opening hours over the festive period, including your GP Surgery and local Pharmacy.
Please refer to the appropriate service page to find out how to access care or support in an emergency, or out of hours.
Pharmacy Festive Opening Hours 2024 – 2025
Most pharmacies located within Health Centres will be closed on Tuesday 24th December (Christmas Eve), Wednesday 25th December (Christmas Day) and on Thursday 26th (Boxing Day) 2024 and again on Tuesday 31st December (Hogmanay), Wednesday 1st January 2025 (New Years Day) and on Thursday 2nd January 2025 (New Year Bank Holiday), in line with other services provided from these locations. Some local pharmacies may also close earlier than usual.
GP Festive Opening Information 2024 – 2025
GP Practices will be closed on Wednesday 25th December and Thursday 26th December 2024 and again on Wednesday 1st January and Thursday 2nd January 2025.
If you feel unwell when your GP Surgery is closed, and you cannot wait until the practice reopens, call NHS 24 on 111 for advice. If you need to see doctor or other health professional, they will arrange this for you.
If you think you need to attend A&E but it’s not life threatening, or if you need to attend a Minor Injuries Unit, call NHS 24 on 111.
If a condition is life-threatening, we would always encourage people to go to A&E or call 999, but in all other circumstances, please think ABC before going to A&E.
For general medical advice, please visit NHS Inform.
For a speedy recovery, self care is the best option when you have a minor illness or injury. A well stocked medicine cabinet means you’ll receive the right treatment immediately.
Check your medicine cabinet
Make sure you have some over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for common seasonal illnesses in your medicine cabinet.
Things to have in your medicine cabinet include:
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief (check the label or speak to your pharmacist to check it’s suitable for you)
- Anti-histamines to help allergies
- Anti-diarrhoeals and oral rehydration sachets for diarrhoea
- Indigestion remedies such as an antacid
- Mild laxative for constipation
- A first aid kit
- Medicines specifically for children (your pharmacist can advise on the most suitable ones to keep in the house).
Remember that medicines go out of date, so don’t overstock your medicine cabinet. Always follow the advice on the pack, and if your symptoms continue (or are severe) get further advice by:
- Calling your GP
- Visiting your local Pharmacist
- By visiting NHS Inform: www.nhsinform.scot
- Calling NHS 24 on 111.
NHS inform
NHS inform is your national health information service. Visit www.nhsinform.scot for general NHS information, Sunday pharmacy opening times, and advice on a wide range of health issues.
If you’re well, but have a question about your health or local NHS services phone 0800 22 44 88. You can call or web chat for instant advice.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 10.00pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 9.00am – 5.00pm
Webchat, Language Line and BSL services are also available.