Including information around which health and care services are open over the bank holidays
As Christmas approaches, Somerset health and care partners are sharing top tips on how to stay healthy and happy over the festive season.
From ordering repeat prescriptions early and accessing mental health support, to making the most of local services like NHS 111 and community pharmacies, there are lots of things that people in Somerset can do to help themselves – and friends and family – stay well.
Bernie Marden, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Somerset said: “Winter is often a challenging time for the NHS, particularly over the festive season when services become busier and are more limited over the bank holiday periods. It’s important to know how you can get the help you need.
“The easiest and quickest way to order your repeat medicine is via the NHS App or GP Online Services – you can do this from the comfort of your own home. And do remember that community pharmacies can help you with many winter illnesses and can also provide prescription only medicine to treat seven common health conditions such as sinusitis, sore throats and earache.
“Mental health support is also crucial, especially during the festive season. We have face-to-face safe spaces and a 24-hour helpline available. You can also access help and advice via our Open Mental Health website. Remember, help is always at hand, and it’s important to reach out if you’re struggling.”
NHS Somerset put together a handy guide on its website to help you access services has to look after your health in Somerset over the festive season well guide all NHS services in the area: https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/winter-2025/
If you rely on repeat medication, make sure to place your orders now to avoid running out over the holidays. The easiest and quickest way to order your repeat medicine is via the NHS App or GP Online Services – you can do this from the comfort of your own home. Before you order, check what medicines you already have and only order what you need. Please do not stockpile medicines as excess supplies can be dangerous and wasteful.
NHS 111
For non-emergencies, you can get medical advice 24/7 by calling NHS 111 or using the 111 online service. They have trained professionals who can direct you to the appropriate care.
While most GP surgeries will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, some pharmacies will remain open and are the best place to go for minor health concerns.
Community pharmacies
Your local pharmacy can offer clinical advice for common winter conditions such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles, and aches and pains. Check their opening hours via www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-Pharmacy.
Some pharmacies will be open over the bank holidays during the festive season for more information on which community pharmacies will be open over the bank holidays visit NHS England — South West » Pharmacy opening hours (this website will be updated nearer the bank holidays).
Pharmacy First is a service that allows community pharmacists to provide prescription-only medicines to treat seven common health conditions, without a visit to a GP, including sinusitis, sore throat, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
Cost-of-living support available this winter
Somerset Council and its community partners are offering food, energy and housing support to help residents cope with rising costs this winter.
The kind of vital local support that the Council is encouraging people to access includes:
- food pantries,
- advice and support for people with caring responsibilities,
- Council Tax support for people on a low income or who receive certain benefits,
- discretionary housing payments to help pay rent,
- and financial support for elderly residents to heat their homes.
Details about the full range of support available, as well as how to check eligibility and to apply, is on the Council’s cost-of-living support page.
Domestic abuse
Sadly, we know that cases of domestic abuse increase over the festive season. This is not just physical but also emotional abuse. In an emergency, please call 999.
For support, contact the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service or call 0800 69 49 999. The helpline is available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and on bank holidays.
Emergencies
If you need emergency care, please call 999 or use your nearest accident and emergency department. Do contact 111 first if you are unsure if you need to use A&E services.
Getting your loved ones home for Christmas
If your loved one is in hospital and well enough to leave, help support them to get home at the earliest opportunity.
Looking after children
Download Somerset’s Handiapp with advice to help with everything from if they have a high temperature to if they are vomiting or have diarrhoea to help you look after you child. https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/parent-zone/
You can also contact 111, your local community pharmacy or urgent treatment for non-emergency care.
Support with your mental health
People can struggle with their mental health over the festive season. Open Mental Health’s Festive Wellbeing Kit is packed with resources and support options from across Somerset, whether it’s family tensions, money worries, or the stress of holiday preparations.
Remember, Mindline Somerset is open any time of the day locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. And with Crisis Safe Space appointments available, you never have to face mental health struggles alone.
Urgent Dental Care
If you need emergency or urgent dental care, you can get advice from NHS 111, or contact a dentist and ask for an appointment.
How to find an emergency or urgent NHS dentist appointment – NHS
Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units
You can attend your local Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) or Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) for urgent not life-threatening conditions and injuries such as sprains, fractures and burns. For the latest information on opening hours and services, visit the UTC/MIU pages.
Winter vaccinations
Free vaccinations for flu, COVID and RSV are available at GPs, community pharmacies, your GP and at pop up clinics. For more information on who is eligible and where to get your vaccinations visit Vaccinations – NHS Somerset ICB
ENDS
For media enquiries or interview bids/filming bids to see our services in action please contact Helen Ashley at NHS Somerset mobile 07775 823649 email somicb.communications@nhs.net For more information on how we can support you this winter visit NHS Somerset https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/winter-2025/
