Residents across mid and south Essex will have access to vital medicines and health advice on Christmas Day, as the NHS has confirmed a list of pharmacies that will remain open for limited hours.
Festive Opening Hours for Essential Care
While the majority of community pharmacies will be closed from Thursday, December 25 through to Monday, December 29, a select number will open to support patients who feel unwell or require urgent assistance. The initiative ensures that people can obtain critical medications and professional advice during the festive break when many regular services are unavailable.
Dr Matthew Sweeting, executive medical director at NHS Mid and South Essex, emphasised the role of pharmacies. "Community pharmacies can support you with advice and medication for many common health conditions, including antibiotics, if necessary," he said. "Pharmacists are qualified health professionals that can help advise you on treatment options or direct you to health services that can help if you need extra support."
How to Find Your Nearest Open Pharmacy
The health authority is urging people to use the official NHS 'find a pharmacy' service on the NHS website to locate their nearest open chemist. This online tool provides instant access to details including opening hours, contact information, and the specific services each pharmacy offers. Dr Sweeting advised, "The best way to find an open pharmacy near you is to use the NHS 'find a pharmacy' service on the NHS website."
It is crucial to always check the opening times before making a journey. The NHS Mid and South Essex website also hosts comprehensive information on bank holiday services and tips for managing personal healthcare over the weekend.
Pharmacy First and Other Support Services
Many of the open pharmacies can also provide treatment through the Pharmacy First scheme. This allows pharmacists to supply prescription medication for seven common illnesses without the patient needing to see a GP first. The conditions covered include:
- Sore throats
- Sinusitis
- Earache (for ages 1-17)
- Impetigo
- Infected insect bites
- Shingles
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs for women aged 16-64)
Age restrictions apply, and full details are available on the NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System website.
For urgent medical help that is not a life-threatening emergency, residents are advised to check NHS 111 online or call 111. This service operates 24 hours a day and will direct callers to the most appropriate local NHS service based on their symptoms.
In a mental health crisis, adults can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option at any time. Young people under 18 can call 0800 953 0222 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, or 0800 995 1000 outside these hours and on bank holidays.
Confirmed Christmas Day Pharmacy Opening Times
Basildon and Brentwood: Great Berry Pharmacy (10am-1pm); Whitmore Pharmacy (1pm-5pm); Ongar Road Pharmacy (9am-1pm).
Mid Essex: Meadows Pharmacy, Braintree (9am-1pm); Writtle Road Pharmacy, Chelmsford (9am-1pm); Rivermead Pharmacy, Chelmsford (9am-1pm); Blackwater Pharma, Maldon (11am-3pm); Heybridge Pharmacy, Maldon (8am-11am); Govani Chemists, South Woodham Ferrers (10am-1pm); Witham Pharmacy (10am-2pm).
Southend and South East Essex: Southchurch Pharmacy (2pm-6pm); Daynite Pharmacy, Hadleigh (9am-1pm); Derix Healthcare Pharmacy, Leigh-On-Sea (9am-2pm); Elmsleigh Pharmacy, Leigh-On-Sea (10am-1pm); Leigh Road Pharmacy, Leigh-On-Sea (1pm-5pm); Queensway Pharmacy, Southend (9am-1pm).
Thurrock: Dips Chemist, Chadwell St Mary (2pm-4pm); Steve's Chemist, Grays (12 noon-4pm); Vision Pharmacy, Stifford Clays (10am-1pm); Allcures Pharmacy, Corringham (10am-2pm); Essex Pharmacy, Tilbury (10am-2pm).
The NHS reminds everyone that for serious, life-threatening emergencies, the emergency lines remain open 24 hours a day throughout the holiday period.
