GP appointments available in northeast London over the festive period

 GPs in northeast London are reminding people that choosing the right place for medical help over the Christmas holidays can help them get the treatment they need faster.

More than 140,000 people attended A&E in north east London (NEL) last December and January, and local hospital emergency departments are expected to be extremely busy again this year. Patients will often be seen quicker by visiting their local pharmacy or a GP, even during the holiday season.

Many parents are also understandably concerned about scarlet fever and invasive Group A Strep infections this winter. 

The latest UK Health Security Agency data shows that cases in north east London remain extremely low, and information about the symptoms and what to do can be found on the NHS North East London website.

GP appointments will be available to book throughout the festive period to patients across NEL, including from 8am to 8pm on all bank holidays, such as Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. 

• If you live in Barking and Dagenham, Havering or Redbridge, you can book these appointments by calling the GP hubs booking hotline on 020 3770 1888 (open from 8am-8pm) or by calling NHS 111 at any time, seven days a week.
• You can also get help with minor injuries and illnesses at the community urgent treatment centres (UTCs) at Barking Community Hospital and Harold Wood Polyclinic. These are open from 8am to 9pm, seven days a week. You can call NHS 111 to book an appointment or walk in and wait to be seen. 

Patients are advised to ensure they have enough medication to last them over the Christmas holidays. However, some community pharmacies will also open during festive bank holidays. 

Most minor health conditions can be treated at home, and local pharmacists can help. Many over-the-counter medications can be used to alleviate symptoms of winter viruses such as cold or flu without needing to use antibiotics. 

You can find an open, late-night pharmacy on the NHS website here. 

Hospital admissions for flu are high this year, so people are encouraged to take up their vaccine and get their children vaccinated when invited to do so by the NHS.

Dr Jagan John, a local GP and board member at NHS North East London, said: “We understand illnesses don’t stop for the holidays and that sometimes you or a family member may need an appointment with a GP or nurse outside normal working hours. We also understand that many parents are worried about scarlet fever and Group A strep at the moment.

“This year, we’re offering flexible appointments in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays, including Christmas day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, so you can get the help you need when you need it. Our A&Es are extremely busy, often with long, uncomfortable waits, and you will often get quicker, more appropriate help from your GP or pharmacist or by calling 111.”

If you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need, make sure you visit NHS 111 online first rather than going straight to A&E. NHS 111 online makes it easier for you to get the treatment you need in the right place at the right time. 

If you cannot use the internet, call 111. NHS 111 can book you an appointment at an urgent treatment centre, emergency dental service, or with a GP and you can even book an appointment at A&E if necessary.

Find further information here.