People throughout NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are being reminded that dozens of pharmacies will be open over Christmas, providing help for a range of minor conditions, without an appointment and right on people’s doorstep.
Every community pharmacy in Scotland provides the Pharmacy First service, offering support and treatment for a range of minor ailments from coughs and colds to earache and heartburn. Anyone can walk in off the street and be seen, and no appointment is necessary.
The majority of pharmacies are closed on 24th, 25th and 26th December – with pharmacies within health centres also closed on Saturday 23rd – and anyone who needs repeat prescriptions is being asked to make sure they have enough supply to see them through the festive period.
However, if you do suffer a minor injury or illness over Christmas, or you do need medicine at short notice, the good news is that dozens of pharmacies are open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
From Clydebank to Kirkintilloch, Renfrew to Rutherglen, the wide range of services offered by pharmacies will be available every day.
Alan Harrison, Lead Pharmacist in the Community Pharmacy Directorate of NHSGGC, said: “All pharmacies across Scotland offer the Pharmacy First service, with means they should be the first port of call for a range of minor health conditions.
“And throughout the Christmas break, dozens will be keeping their doors open, to make sure people can get the help they need – without an appointment, and on their doorstep.
“While we would always encourage people who need medicines and other prescriptions regularly, to think ahead and ensure they have an appropriate supply of medicines this Christmas, pharmacies across the NHSGGC area will be able to support in most cases if you run out of your medicines, as well as offering a range of other services.”
To find out which pharmacies are open in your area, go to the NHSGGC website for full details: Pharmacy Opening Hours – Christmas 23/24 – NHSGGC
The information posted is correct at the time of publication, so we would always suggest people contact the pharmacy they need on the number provided.
Pharmacies are an important part of a range of services available to people throughout NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – and NHSGGC has just launched a campaign to give people the information they need to know where to go if they need help this winter.
In fact, accessing the care you need is as easy as ABC:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Informor download the NHS24 app.
NHS Inform and the NHS24 app giving advice and information on countless illnesses and conditions, tests and treatments, vaccinations, self-care and much more.
They offer symptom checkers, self-help guides and directories of services available throughout the country, and should be the first port of call for anyone looking for information on a minor illness or injury, from the comfort of their own home.
Be aware: There is help right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services.
Most GP surgeries offer so much more than an appointment with a doctor. A simple phone call can give you access to services including virtual consultations, physiotherapy, health screening and vaccinations, and mental health support.
Pharmacists are trained to offer help and advice for many illnesses and conditions, and you’ll also be able to use their extensive prescribing services – which means access to healthcare, without an appointment and while you wait.
Along with other community-based services such as opticians and dentists, which can offer expert help with a range of eye-related and oral conditions respectively, it always pays to familiarise yourself with the care available right on your doorstep.
- Over the festive period, these services may not be available. If that is the case, and you feel you cannot wait, check the NHSGGC website for more details, or call NHS24 on 111 and they will be able to get you the help you need.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
NHS24 is the national helpline that allows you to access a range of services. If you think a condition or injury is urgent, or if you’re not sure where to go and need advice, all you have to do is call 111.
There you will be given access to NHSGGC’s Virtual A&E, or Flow Navigation Centre, where trained clinicians will talk you through your condition and make sure you get the help you need.
Unless it’s an emergency, think A,B,C before going to A&E.
Please remember – if you think your condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
For more information on the best ways to access care, go to the NHSGGC website
