How to access health services over Christmas
Monday, 22 December 2025
The NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside is reminding people of their healthcare options, including where to go for urgent help while their GP practice is closed during the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.
For life-threatening emergencies and serious injuries, people should call 999 or go straight to A&E. For all other urgent help, or if you’re not sure what to do, contact NHS 111 by calling 111, visiting 111.nhs.uk or by using the NHS App.
NHS 111 can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. If needed it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or provide self-treatment advice over the phone. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you have a hearing problem, call 18001 111 using the Relay UK app or a textphone. To access the British Sign Language (BSL) video service, go to signvideo.co.uk/nhs111. If you need help in another language, call 111 and ask for an interpreter.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“Although industrial action by resident doctors has ended, NHS services across Cheshire and Merseyside remain incredibly busy as we look to recover services and continue to manage seasonal pressures and high levels of flu, so it’s more important than ever that people choose the right service for their needs. This will ensure you get the right care, first time, while helping to keep vital emergency services available for those who need them most.
“If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should always call 999 or go straight to A&E. But if you need urgent medical help and you’re not sure where to go, NHS 111 is the best place to start. It can assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate service for you, quickly and safely.”
GP practices will be closed during the Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day bank holidays. Many pharmacies will also be closed or operating on reduced hours. To find your nearest pharmacy and check their opening times, visit www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.
Urgent treatment centres and walk-in centres provide same-day medical help when it’s not a life-threatening emergency. Some centres will be operating under reduced hours during the bank holidays. You can search for appointments via NHS 111, or check opening times here.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option to talk to a professional. This service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you need urgent dental help or advice, please contact your dentist in the first instance. If your dental practice is closed, or you aren’t registered at one, you can call the local dental helpline for Cheshire and Merseyside on 0161 476 9651.
The NHS App lets you access a range of NHS services, such as managing your repeat prescriptions and viewing your GP health record, straight from your smartphone or tablet. You can download it via Google play or the App store, or access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.
The NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside is also urging people to book their winter vaccination appointments ahead of the busy holiday period. People can check their eligibility and book a free flu or Covid-19 vaccination through their GP, local pharmacy, or NHS online services. Winter vaccinations are also available on the Living Well Bus with no appointment necessary.
For information about where to get winter vaccinations in Cheshire and Merseyside, visit the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside winter vaccines webpage.