Urgent care and accident and emergency services in Northumberland - where can you get help over New Year?

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

Helen Ray, Chief Executive of North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and Co-Chair of the North East and North Cumbria Urgent and Emergency Care Network, said: “We really want people to think about how they are using our precious NHS resources.”

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 which pharmacies are open on New Year’s Day and when.

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.

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 New Year’s Day, while the minor injuries units at Alnwick Infirmary and Berwick Infirmary will be open all day.

Which pharmacies are available and when on New Year’s Day in Northumberland ?

Asda, Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, 10-5pm.

Asda, Cowpen Road, Blyth, 10am-5pm.

Boots, Station Road, Ashington, 6pm-8pm.

Boots, Town Hall Buildings, Corbridge, n00n-2pm.

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

Boots, The Mount, Haggs Field, Morpeth, 2pm-4pm.

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

Lloyds, Sainsburys Manor Walks Shopping Centre, 9am-5pm.

Tesco, Ord Road, Berwick, 2pm-4pm.

Well Pharmacy, Infirmary Close, Alnwick, 6pm-8pm.