Finding health services during festive bank holidays

Many families, especially those with crawlers and toddlers may not make Christmas without a few lumps and bumps.

Health Minister Gillian Merron is keen to point out that a range of healthcare services will be available over the Christmas and New Year holiday.

Though GP surgeries will be closed during bank holidays, Health Centres, out of hours services, walk-in centres and NHS Direct will be some of the services available.

Health Minister Gillian Merron said: “The NHS offers a range of emergency and non-emergency services over this period, but people are not always sure how to access these services.

“For emergencies, always call 999. For less urgent matters, it is important to be aware of the choice of local NHS non-emergency services available including GP Health Centres, walk in centres, minor injuries units, GP out-of-hours services and pharmacies. For over the phone advice people can call NHS Direct 24 hours a day as usual.”

For more specific information about local NHS services, visit: www.nhs.uk