Stay Healthy This Festive Season: Prescriptions, Pharmacy, and More
Winter can be busy and unpredictable. Planning ahead helps you stay well and avoid last-minute stress.
St Anthony's Health Centre will be open until the end of day on Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve), then closed until the morning of Monday 29th December. We will also be closed on Thursday 1st January.
Don’t Forget Your Prescriptions!
The number one thing you can do to stay well is to order your repeat prescriptions early.
Use the NHS App to request your medicines in just a few taps.
Here are St Anthony's Health Centre‘s opening times in full:
✅ Monday 22nd December – 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
✅ Tuesday 22nd December – 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
✅ Wednesday 24th December – 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
❌ Thursday 25th December – Closed
❌ Friday 26th December – Closed
❌ Saturday 27th December – Closed
❌ Sunday 28th December – Closed
✅ Monday 29th December – 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
✅ Tuesday 30th December – 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
✅ Wednesday 31st December – 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
❌ Thursday 1st January – Closed
✅ Friday 2nd January – 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
❌ Saturday 3rd January – Closed
❌ Sunday 4th January – Closed
Here’s what else you need to know this Christmas and New Year.
1. Pharmacy First – Walk in for Common Illnesses
You can see a community pharmacist without an appointment for certain conditions. The Pharmacy First service helps with:
- Sore throat
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections in children (otitis media)
- Urinary tract infections in women
- Shingles
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
Pharmacists can check your symptoms, give treatment, and advise you. You don’t need an appointment, and they might be open when we are not.
2. NHS App – Easy Access to Your Medicines and Help
The NHS App lets you:
- Order repeat prescriptions
- Access urgent repeat medicines through NHS 111 or 111Online, which may refer you to Pharmacy First
- Manage your health on a phone or computer (if your phone cannot access UK app stores, use a browser)
Tip: Order repeat prescriptions early to avoid running out during busy times.
3. Urgent Dental Care
If you have a dental emergency outside of regular hours, you can find your nearest urgent dental centre. They can help with severe pain, swelling, infection, uncontrolled bleeding, or broken/displaced teeth or fillings.
4. Molineux Street Urgent Treatment Centre
The Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Molineux Street in Byker is open 8 am to 8 pm every day of the year.
UTCs can help you with:
- Cuts, sprains and strains
- Minor burns and scalds
- Infected wounds
- Grazes
- Bites and stings
- Possible broken bones
- Emergency contraceptive needs
It’s a walk-in service. You don’t need an appointment or to see a Doctor first.
5. Vaccinations – Stay Protected
Illnesses like flue and COVID pass much more easily in cold weather. For some people – espeically older people or those with long term conditions- they can be very serious illnesses.
Getting your annual vaccine is the best way to keep you and people around you well.
Protect yourself this winter with vaccines:
- Flu vaccination – where to get a free NHS flu jab this winter
- COVID-19 vaccination – find if you are eligible and where to get it
6. Quick Checklist to Stay Well
- ✅ Order repeat prescriptions early with the NHS App
- ✅ Use Pharmacy First for minor illnesses
- ✅ Know where to get urgent dental care
- ✅ Check Molineux Walk-In Centre opening times
- ✅ Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
A little planning now helps you enjoy a healthy, stress-free winter.
