Rutland GPs announce changes to schedules over festive period
People are being asked to familiarise themselves with how to access the right care over the festive period
GP services in Rutland will be running on a different schedule in the coming weeks due to closures for the festive bank holidays.
Doctors surgeries across Leicestershire will be closed between Saturday 24 (Christmas Eve) and Tuesday December 27. The services will then reopen on Wednesday 28 up until Friday December 30.
Then GPs will be closing again between Saturday 31 (New Years Eve) until Monday January 2. GP practices from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will then continue their normal services from Tuesday January 3.
Representatives from the region’s Integrated Care Board (ICB) are urging people to plan ahead if they take prescribed medication regularly, by making sure they have enough to last until the New Year. People are also being asked to also familiarise themselves with how to access the right care over the festive period.
Dr Nil Sanganee, Chief Medical Officer for the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) said: “Last minute requests put a strain on services and you risk not being able to get hold of your medication when you need it, so please do plan ahead. Contact your GP practice now if you need a repeat prescription, or you can also make the request online or use the NHS App.
“If you have an urgent care need over the Christmas or New Year bank holidays, please don’t wait before seeking help. Although GP practices will be closed, you can contact NHS 111 online or by phone at any time, day or night.
“They will review your symptoms and will refer you to the most appropriate service based on your needs. There is also a phone line, the Mental Health Central Access Point, for people who need urgent mental health support.”
The Mental Health Central Access Point can be reached on 0808 800 3302 and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round.