Order Prescriptions Early: Christmas and New Year Opening Times
At busy times like Christmas and New Year, planning ahead is vital.
We can’t help wrap the presents or stuff the turkey, but we can help keep you healthy this Christmas. Our most important message is to order prescriptions early.
GP Opening Times
All the Bank Holidays fall in the middle of weeks this festive season.
GP practices won’t be closed for more than 2 days at a time. But they will very busy on the days they are open.
Here are the opening times for Christmas and New Year.
| Day | Date | Open/Closed |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Monday | 23rd December | ✅ Open |
| ✅ Tuesday | 24th December | ✅ Open |
| ❌ Wednesday | 25th December | ❌ Closed |
| ❌ Thursday | 26th December | ❌ Closed |
| ✅ Friday | 27th December | ✅ Open |
| ❌ Saturday | 28th December | ❌ Closed |
| ❌ Sunday | 29th December | ❌ Closed |
| ✅ Monday | 30th December | ✅ Open |
| ✅ Tuesday | 31st December | ✅ Open |
| ❌ Wednesday | 1st January | ❌ Closed |
| ✅ Thursday | 2nd January | ✅ Open |
Order Prescriptions Early
The quickest and easiest way to request a repeat prescription is with the NHS App.
Usually, it’s best to allow at least three full working days from request to collection.
But at such busy times, please reorder as early as you can.
You can send your request through the NHS App at any time. You don’t need to wait for your GP to be open. Requesting a prescription in the NHS App takes just a few taps, so don’t put it off.
- Open the NHS App and make sure you are logged in.
- Tap ‘Repeat Prescriptions‘ in the centre of the homepage
- You can view or change your nominated pharmacy.
- Tap the green ‘Continue’ button.
- You can view your medicines and select any you would like to request.
- Tap the green ‘Continue’ button.
- Check you are happy with the details, and tap the green ‘Request prescription’ button
- You can see what to do next and view the status of your requests
Pharmacy Opening Times
Some community pharmacists will be open over the Bank Holidays.
We have listed local pharmacies below, or you can visit the NENC ICB website, where they will update you with all regional pharmacy details.
| Pharmacy | Address | Phone | Christmas Day | Boxing Day | New Year’s Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ponteland Road Pharmacy | 163-167 Ponteland Road, Cowgate, NE5 3AE | 0191 2146022 | Closed | 11 am to 5 pm | 11 am to 5 pm |
| Douglas Pharmacy | 17 Ashburton Road, Gosforth, NE3 4XN | 0191 285 2911 | 2 pm to 5 pm | Closed | Closed |
| Quayside Pharmacy | Crawhall Road, Quayside, NE1 2BL | 0191 233 0210 | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Boots | 35 Blackett Street, NE1 7AN | 0191 232 4423 | Closed | 2 pm to 5 pm | Closed |
| Chapel House Pharmacy | Chapel House Healthcare Centre, Hillhead Parkway, NE5 1LJ | 0191 267 6705 | Closed | Closed | 2 pm to 5 pm |
| Cockerton Pharmacy | 141 Beaconsfield Street, NE4 5JP | 0191 273 3030 | 2 pm to 5 pm | Closed | Closed |
| Boots | Hotspur Way, Eldon Square, NE1 7XE | 0191 232 9844 | Closed | 10 am to 6 pm | Closed |
Collect Prescriptions from Pharmacy with the NHS App
If you have reordered a prescription through the NHS App, you can generate a bar code to collect your medication from any Pharmacy.
This is ideal if you didn’t get around to collecting it from your normal Pharmacy or if you are away visiting friends or family.
- Open the NHS App and make sure you are logged in.
- On the home page, select View and manage prescriptions
- Select Your confirmed prescriptions
- Select View Prescription
- Click Prescription barcode
Getting the NHS App
The NHS App is available on iOS and Android. To use it you must be aged 13 or over and registered with a GP surgery in England. Find out more about who can use the NHS App.
📲🤖 – Google Play link for Android phones
📲🍎 – App Store link for iPhones and other Apple/iOS devices
You can also access NHS App services from the browser on your desktop or laptop.