Pharmacy opening times and how to use urgent care and accident and emergency services in Northumberland on Christmas and Boxing Day

Health chiefs are urging people only to call 999 in a genuine emergency

With services likely to be stretched, health bosses are urging patients not to waste precious resources.

The NHS across the North East and North Cumbria has launched a major public awareness campaign in a bid to help ease pressure on busy frontline teams and make sure people use valuable NHS resources wisely.

What can I do to help?

Visit www.111.nhs.uk or call 111 for urgent medical advice before turning up to any frontline services.

Don’t call an ambulance or attend accident and emergency departments or urgent care centres unless you have to.

Extra GP appointments will be available on evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Contact your surgery for help.

Many common winter illnesses can be safely treated with over the counter medication and advice from a pharmacist. See below for opening hours over the Bank Holidays.

What if I DO need emergency treatment?

Call 999 in the event of a genuine emergency if you need an ambulance.

If the patient is mobile, the accident and emergency department at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington will be open around the clock on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

What if I need urgent – but not emergency – treatment?

The urgent care centre at Wansbeck General Hospital will be open between 8am and 10pm on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, while the minor injuries units at Alnwick Infirmary and Berwick Infirmary will be open all day on both days.

Which pharmacies are available and when?

Christmas Day

Boots, Maddison Street, Blyth, 6pm-8pm.

Central Pharmacy, Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, 10am-noon.

Haydon Bridge Pharmacy, Church Street, 4pm-6pm.

Health Hut Pharmacy, Abbey Meadows, Morpeth, 2pm-4pm.

K-Chem Ltd, Grange Road, Shilbottle, 3pm-5pm.

Lloyds, Northumbrian Road, Cramlington, 4pm-6pm.

Lloyds, Union Brae Surgery, Tweedmouth, 2pm-4pm.

Boxing Day

Asda, Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, 9am-6pm.

Asda, Cowpen Road, Blyth, 9am-6pm.

Boots, Marygate, Berwick, 10am-4pm.

Boots, Bondgate Within, Alnwick, 10am-4pm, 6pm-8pm.

Boots, Bridge Street, Morpeth, 10am-4pm.

Boots, Manor Walks Shopping Centre, Cramlington, 9.30am-4pm.

Boots, Maddison Street, Blyth, 10am-2pm.

Boots, Main Street, Seahouses, 9am-6pm.

Central Pharmacy, Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, 10am-noon.

Lloyds, Northumbrian Road, Cramlington, 4pm-6pm.