How to get health help over the festive period

If you need non-emergency health advice or support over the Christmas and New Year holiday period you should contact NHS 111 First - online or by phoning 111. The service is available 24 hours a day.

You will be assessed and given advice about where to get the most appropriate care. This may include:

• how to self-care
• visiting your local pharmacy, dentist, optician, or your own GP 
• visiting a local Minor Injuries Unit.

If appropriate, NHS 111 can also book you a time slot at the John Radcliffe Hospital or Horton General Hospital Emergency Departments for treatment.

There is information on the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group website about pharmacy opening times during the holidays.

Other services available in Oxfordshire

Minor Injuries Units (MIU) 

Please visit Oxford Health's website for information on opening hours of MIUs (you will need to book an appointment via NHS 111 before visiting)

Mental Health support

Call NHS 111 to access the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire 24/7 mental health helpline for adults and children.

Emergency Departments (A&E) and the 999 emergency ambulance

These services provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. In these cases call 999 immediately.

Dental services

If you think you need urgent dental treatment:

• call your usual dentist in the first instance who will advise on emergency treatment
• use the NHS 111 online service if you cannot contact your dentist or you do not have one
• for more dental information, visit the NHS website.

Non-COVID conditions

We are reminding everyone to seek urgent care and treatment at all times especially for symptoms of stroke and heart attack. Delays in getting treatment pose a long-term risk to health.

We want you to use other important services - such as cancer screening and care, maternity appointments, immunisations and mental health support. These services can all be accessed safely.

There is also advice and support for people who may be worried about COVID-19 infection with links to the all the latest local and national guidance about symptoms, testing and how to get the care you need.

For other information about tier restrictions and how to stay safe, visit the Government website.

If you have any coronavirus symptoms, you must self-isolate immediately and call 119 to book a test.

Visit Oxfordshire County Council website for more information.