Local NHS services | News and events

As the festive season approaches, the local NHS is reminding local residents of the local health services that will remain available throughout Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

A range of NHS services will continue to operate over the holidays, including selected pharmacies that will be open (including on Christmas Day) to support people with common ailments and conditions. Pharmacists can offer expert advice and treatment for minor illnesses such as colds, indigestion, stomach pain, and more.

For urgent medical issues that are not life-threatening, NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can access the service online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. NHS 111 will help you find the right care for your symptoms, whether that’s advice for self-care at home or a referral to an appropriate NHS service.

Minor Injury Units in Doddington and Ely, along with the Urgent Treatment Centre in Peterborough, will also be open throughout the festive season. These walk-in services can treat sprains, minor burns, earache, eye problems, minor head injuries, and more - no appointment needed.

Dr Fiona Head, Chief Medical Officer with NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: “We hope everyone enjoys a safe and healthy festive season. But if you do fall ill, please remember the NHS is here for you. Don’t delay seeking help—NHS services remain open and ready to support you. If you’re unsure where to go, NHS 111 is the best place to start.”

In cases of serious or life-threatening emergencies, always call 999 for urgent support.  

For more information about all the services that will be open over the coming weeks, visit www.cpics.org.uk/well-together. 

Here is information on local services and support available over the festive period.  Further information can be found at:

• NHS.uk and NHS App – online support and symptom checker
• NHS 111 - if you need urgent medical help, think 111 first. NHS 111 is available on the phone and online 24/7 at 111.nhs.uk and can direct you to the right service at the right time
• Pharmacies - can help with a range of things including hangovers, coughs and colds, emergency contraception, and non-prescription medication. Some pharmacies will also be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Visit Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk) to find a pharmacy near you.
• Minor Injury Units (MIU) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) can help with a range of minor illnesses and injuries such as sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites and stings.
• Peterborough Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) - open every day from 8am to 8pm including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Bank Holiday Monday and New Year’s Day.
• Ely Minor Injury Unit – open every day (except Christmas Day) from 8.30-6pm
• Doddington Minor Injury Unit –Open Monday – Friday 08:30-18:00, Sat/ Sun and Bank Holidays – 09:00-17:00.  Boxing Day and New Year’s Day is 09:00-17:00. Closed Christmas Day.
• Wisbech Minor Injury Unit - open every weekday from 8.00pm to 6pm except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
• Mental Health support – there is a range of services and support available including:
• Keep Your Head – https://www.keep-your-head.com/- this local website is full of mental health tips, guidance and advice, so a great first place to look.
• Crisis support – NHS 111 mental health option - if you are in a mental health crisis, urgent support is available in our area 24/7 through 111. Simply dial 111 and select the mental health option. You will be put through to a trained advisor who will speak to you and discuss your current mental health needs.
• Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org - Local and national listening service. Freephone 116 123, open 24/7, 365 days a year.

• Dental - if you think you need urgent care, contact your usual dentist as some practices offer emergency dental slots and will provide care if clinically necessary. You can also call NHS 111, who can put you in touch with an urgent dental service.
• GP practices - are open between Christmas and New Year, check your usual GP practice for their opening times.