A&E and urgent care over Christmas and New Year
Every A&E department in England is open 24 hours through Christmas and New Year. Walk-in centres, urgent treatment centres and pharmacies often keep shorter hours on the bank holidays.
Where to go
- Life-threatening (chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, stroke signs, a fit, cannot be woken): call 999.
- Urgent but not life-threatening: A&E, or an urgent treatment centre, often quicker for cuts, sprains, minor burns and minor breaks.
- Not sure: NHS 111, online or by phone. They can book you a slot.
- Minor (coughs, colds, rashes): a pharmacist, no appointment needed.
Bank holidays
- : Christmas Day
- : Boxing Day (substitute day)
- : New Year's Day
Dates from GOV.UK.
Your county
Every A&E, urgent treatment centre, walk-in centre and minor injury unit, with usual hours and a link to check holiday hours.
Questions
Is A&E open on Christmas Day?
Yes. Every A&E department is open 24 hours on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. For anything life-threatening, call 999.
Are walk-in centres open over Christmas?
Many are, often with shorter hours on the bank holidays. Check the centre's NHS website listing before you go; each county page below links to it.
Where can I get medicine on Christmas Day?
Most pharmacies close on Christmas Day and some open on a local rota. The NHS website's pharmacy finder shows which are open.
Live A&E waiting times. Walk-in centres open now. A&E or urgent treatment centre?