Christmas Opening Hours and Support During the Festive Season

As the festive season approaches, we want to ensure you’re informed about our opening times and how to access medical help and support during the Christmas period.

Surgery Opening Hours Over Christmas and New Year

Here are the opening hours for School Lane Surgery and the Healthy Living Centre:

  • Monday 23rd December: Open as usual
  • Tuesday 24th December: Open as usual (HLC will be closed in the afternoon)
  • Wednesday 25th December (Christmas Day): CLOSED – Merry Christmas!!!
  • Thursday 26th December (Boxing Day): CLOSED
  • Friday 27th December: Open as usual
  • Saturday 28th December: Closed
  • Sunday 29th December: Closed
  • Monday 30th December: Open as usual
  • Tuesday 31st December: Open as usual
  • Wednesday 1st January (New Year’s Day): CLOSED HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
  • Thursday 2nd January: Open as usual
  • Friday 3rd January: Open as usual

Note: At the Healthy Living Centre, the surgery closes daily from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM for home visits and lunch. On Tuesdays at School Lane, the surgery is closed from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM for staff training.

For our usual opening hours, please visit our website.

Medical Support When We Are Closed

If you need medical help when the surgery is closed:

  • Call 999 for emergencies.
  • Mental Health Crisis: Dial 111 and press Option 2 for urgent support.
  • Contact NHS 111 online at www.111.nhs.uk or by phone for non-emergencies.
  • Pharmacies: Local pharmacies will be open and can provide clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for minor ailments like colds, sore throats, and tummy troubles. Visit www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy to locate an open pharmacy.

Be Prepared for Christmas

Now is a great time to review your medicine cabinet and order any repeat prescriptions you may need. Ensure you have these essentials:

  • Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
  • Cold and flu remedies
  • First-aid kit items (bandages, plasters, antiseptic)
  • Remedies for minor ailments (indigestion, diarrhoea, allergies)

Further Support

We understand that Christmas can be a challenging time for many. If you or someone you know needs support, these resources are here to help:

  • NHS 111 – Dial 111 and press option 2 for urgent mental health support. Their website which has further information & support can be found HERE
  • Samaritans – Offer a 24/7 helpline by calling 116 123. Their website which has further information & support can be found HERE
  • SHOUT – Offer a 24/7 SMS based service which is free to use. It is confidential and trained volunteers can help with a range of issues. To use this service, text the word SHOUT to 85258. Their website which has further information & support can be found HERE
  • YoungMinds – Has a range of advice and support focused towards young people as well as Parents/Carers. Their website which has further information & support can be found HERE
  • Papyrus – Is an organisation dedicated to the prevention of young suicide (under 35yrs old). Their helpline is 0800 0684141 and open 09:00 to Midnight every day. Their website which has further information & support can be found HERE
  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Offer a helpline or livechat for men. Their helpline is 0800 58 58 58 and is open from 17:00 to Midnight 365 days a year. Their website which has further information & support can be found HERE
  • Combat Stress – Provides support for veterans with a focus on complex mental health problems. The free helpline: 0800 138 1619 or text them on: 07537 173683. Their website which has further information & support can be found HERE
  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline – Is a free 24-hour helpline for women who have experienced domestic abuse and violence, with all female advisors. They can bee called on 0808 2000 247. They also offers a live chat and can help to find refuge accommodation. Run by the domestic violence charity Refuge. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They also have a BSL helpline available Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm. And a live webchat open Monday to Friday, 3pm to 10pm. Their website which has further information & support can be found HERE
  • Men’s Advice Line – Is a confidential advice and support for men who have experienced domestic violence and abuse by a current or ex-partner or family member. They can be contacted on 0808 8010327 and is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Their website which has further information & support can be found HERE
  • Mind – Have a lot of resources on their website with tips to look after yourself as well as others. This can be found HERE

On behalf of all the Partners and Staff at School Lane Surgery, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!