Manchester pharmacies open at Christmas 2021: where to get medical help near me over Xmas and New Year

It’s something everyone will be hoping to avoid, but should Greater Manchester residents require the assistance of the NHS over Christmas, the health service will be there to help.

Falling ill over the festive period can be a nightmare scenario, especially as many other services are taking a break or running altered hours at this time of year.

ManchesterWorld spoke to the city-region’s health authorities to find out what you need to do if you have a medical mishap or require an NHS professional in the coming days.

When are pharmacies open in Greater Manchester?

Pharmacies across Greater Manchester will be available to residents throughout the festive period, with some even opening on 25 December.

The pharmacies opening on Christmas Day will be:

Bolton - Deane Pharmacy (9am until 10pm), Harwood Pharmacy (10am to 2pm) and Nash Pharmacy on Castle Street (2pm to 7pm).

Bury- Manor Pharmacy (9am until 1pm) and Pimhole Pharmacy (10am to 9pm).

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale - 4court Pharmacy (9am until 1pm) and Yorkshire Street Pharmacy (1pm until 5pm).

Manchester - A and A Pharmacy in Rusholme (10am until 10pm), Cameolord Pharmacy on Oxford Street (8am to midnight), Everest Pharmacy in Chorlton (noon to 4pm), Everest Pharmacy in Whalley Range (12pm to 6pm), Rusholme Pharmacy (12pm to 10pm) and Wilkinson Pharmacy in New Moston (9am to 1pm).

Oldham - Imaan Pharmacy in Werneth (9am to 2pm), Oldham Late Night Pharmacy (2pm to 8pm) and SEEMED Pharmacy (10am to 2pm).

Salford - Eccles Pharmacy (10am to 4pm) and Swinton Late Night Pharmacy (4pm until 8pm).

Stockport - Heald Green Pharmacy (4pm to 8pm), Offerton Pharmacy (10am to 2pm) and Scorah Chemists Bramhall (noon to 4pm).

Tameside and Glossop - Adams Pharmacy in Stalybridge (12pm to 4pm) and Adams Pharmacy in Ashton-under-Lyne (8am to midnight).

Trafford - Conran Late Night Pharmacy (9am to 7pm), Oldfield Pharmacy (9am to 1pm) and Timperley Pharmacy (10am to 6pm).

Wigan - Elliott Street Pharmacy in Tyldesley (noon until 4pm), Golborne Late Night Pharmacy (4pm to 8pm) and Shevington Pharmacy (8am to 12pm).

A few pharmacies in Greater Manchester will be closed on the two substitute Bank Holidays (27 December and 28 December) and the majority will also be opening on 3 January, which is a day off because New Year’s Day falls on a weekend.

To check the opening times and which are closed on these days, head to the online details for the Greater Manchester Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC).

Pharmacies can advice on treating a whole range of minor illnesses and can also help you decide if you need to see a GP or another health service.

You don’t need an appointment to speak to a pharmacist and many stores have separate consulting rooms to ensure your complete privacy.

Can I go to a walk-in centre?

Manchester has two urgent care centres where you can walk up and be treated the same day.

However, at the moment residents are being advised to call NHS 111 to book an appointment in order to reduce wait times.

They are the North Manchester Urgent Treatment Centre Outpatient Department in Crumpsall, which is open Monday to Friday 7am – 10pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am – 10pm, and The Manchester Royal Infirmary Urgent Care Centre which is open every day from 8am-10pm.

The Crumpsall centre can offer help, support and advice around things like ear, nose and throat symptoms, minor cuts and bruises, as well as sprains and strains.

The one at Manchester Royal Infirmary is run by fully-trained GPs and specially trained nurses,

To find a walk-in centre near you, use the NHS website.

Can I see a GP?

Anyone wanting to see their doctor over Christmas will need to check the opening times for their practice online.

If you need an appointment outside of normal working hours, ask the reception team. You will be booked in for an appointment at your GP practice or one nearby.

Should I call NHS 111?

If you have an urgent (but not life-threatening) medical problem and you’re not sure what to do, NHS 111 can help.

NHS 111 is free to use and available 24 hours a day, every day.

It can be accessed by calling 111 from your mobile phone or landline, or online for people aged over five.

A trained medical professional such as a doctor or nurse will help you get the right care and can save you time, effort and unnecessary journeys.

They can also book you a timeslot in A&E if you need to go to hospital.