Pharmacies will be open over Christmas

Pharmacists can offer both over-the-counter and prescription medicines, as well as advice on treating minor ailments.

Using their services helps to reduce pressure on hospitals and health centres, which are particularly busy over Christmas.

The Archway Pharmacy at Coronation Bridge, Kimberworth Road, will be open from 10am to 4pm on Christmas Day.

The Asda pharmacy at Aldwarke Lane will be open as normal on Boxing Day, as will Boots pharmacies at Retail World in Parkgate, Cortonwood shopping park and Howard Street in Rotherham town centre.

Lloyds Pharmacy on Worksop Road in Aston will be open, as will pharmacies at Morrison’s in Parkgate and Cortonwood.

All of these except the Howard Street Boots will also be open for limited hours on New Year’s Day.

The non-emergency NHS 111 service will also be operating during the holiday, while very limited GP appointments will be available.

Dr David Clitherow, GP lead for urgent care at NHS Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Most ailments and illnesses — such as coughs, colds, sore throats, aches and pains — can be self-treated at home with a well-stocked medicines cabinet.

“NHS 111 and pharmacists are highly qualified to give advice on a wide range of common health problems and the best way to treat them.

“However, if symptoms are severe and won’t go away then there are doctors available when your own practice is closed to provide advice.”

Pharmacists can even prescribe free oral paracetamol — taken with plenty of fluids, this can manage minor aches and pains as well as high temperatures, Dr Clitherow said.

Doctor’s surgeries will remain open as normal, from 8am to 6.30pm, up to December 24.

They will re-open on December 27 to 28 and also on December 31.