Christmas in Newcastle 2022: GP and walk-in centre opening times over the festive period

It’s a few short sleeps until Christmas Day 2022, and with talk of change to bin collections, pharmacy opening times and the traditional Boxing Day shopping centre sojourn, the question of personal health might just crop up. And the city of Newcastle is no exception.

For many, Christmas is a difficult time to get an appointment with a GP or to visit a walk-in centre. This year,  the Christmas and New Year’s bank holidays coupled with the ongoing “twindemic” and rising cases of Strep A, begs the question, what happens if you or a loved one is ill over the festive period?

The majority of GPs and walk-in centres in Newcastle will remain closed over Boxing Day and December 27t(Christmas Day observed), with doors opening once again from December 28. This means the final week leading into Christmas will be the only time a full week of appointments may be available.

There are some exceptions, but those who  are opening their doors on Boxing Day are few and far between. You can check if your local GP is one of them by visiting the NHS’s “Find a GP” page on their website. The website will also inform you if the GP in question is taking on new patients, in the event you’ve not signed up to a GP in Newcastle yet.

Those wishing to get their prescriptions before the short week between Christmas Day and New Years Day, should consult with their GP in advance or, if using an app such as Lloyds Direct, make an order if you are running low now to avoid any potential delays due to ongoing industrial action.