Accessing urgent and emergency health care over Christmas and New Year 2020

Information about what to do if you or someone you know is unwell over the upcoming holidays
Photo of pharmacist wearing a mask

NHS 111

NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency.

Call 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you. You can get help online or on the phone. 

NHS111 can now also book you a time slot at A&E (Accident and Emergency) if needed, so that you can get the care you need without having to sit in busy waiting rooms.

To get help from NHS 111, you can:

call 111 (Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones).

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can ask for a translator on the phone if you need one. 

Use NHS 111 online

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist can give you friendly expert advice about over-the-counter medicines that can help with lots of common conditions without the need for an appointment.

There are pharmacies open in Enfield throughout the festive period. You can find pharmacies near you using the NHS pharmacy finder.

Find a pharmacy

You can also download a list of pharmacies that have been asked to be open in Enfield on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's day. There may be additional pharmacies opening which are not listed. If the pharmacy you would like to visit is not listed in the list below, then you can check their opening hours on the pharmacy finder above.

Download list of Enfield pharmacies open

If you or a member of your household or 'Christmas bubble' have Coronavirus symptoms, please do not visit a pharmacy.

Dental care

In an emergency, call your own dentist for an appointment, but when the practice is closed, please call NHS 111.

More information

Getting urgent help for mental health

A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time. If you have an existing mental health condition and an assigned care team or care worker, then it’s important to contact them.

The Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust (BEH-MHT) crisis telephone line is open 24/7. You can call them on 0800 151 0023.

The BEH-MHT crisis telephone line

The Samaritans

The Samaritans are here to listen at any time of the day or night. You can talk to them about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult. Call free on 116 123 

The Samaritans website

Shout crisis text support

Shout offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support for times when you need immediate assistance. Text SHOUT to 85258.

Shout Crisis Text Line website

Cruse bereavement charity

The bereavement care charity Cruse is helping families affected by coronavirus. Call free on 0808 808 1677

The Cruse website

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