As GP surgeries close their doors on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, a prominent UK pharmacy chain is urging customers to order their repeat prescriptions by a certain date in December. This proactive step is intended to ensure a smooth holiday period, particularly concerning health needs.

Boots is set to keep over 750 of its pharmacies open throughout the festive season, providing continued access to essential healthcare services, including medication, health guidance, and other key services. Customers are encouraged to check the operating hours of their nearby Boots locations on boots.com, as these hours might be limited and vary by location. The well-known health and beauty retailer also advises those with repeat prescriptions to submit their orders by December 17 to ensure timely delivery, especially if travel plans are involved during the holidays.

At Boots pharmacies, patients can receive medications, healthcare advice, and services, including the NHS Pharmacy First Service, available in England.

It’s important to note that treatment provision depends on a suitability assessment, and this service is primarily available in most stores across England. Store availability and operating hours should be considered, and service fees may be applicable.

Additionally, Boots PrescriptionsPlus offers a convenient solution for managing repeat prescriptions during the bustling holiday season.

Claire Nevinson, the Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, emphasizes: “If you’re feeling unwell or need healthcare access during the festive holiday, our pharmacy teams are ready to assist. You can quickly and easily receive advice, diagnosis, and treatment for common minor ailments from your local Boots pharmacy team, right on your high street, without the need for an appointment.”

“If you are on repeat prescriptions, it’s important to ensure that you have ordered your medication before the Christmas break. It’s easy to order and track delivery of prescriptions with Boots PrescriptionsPlus – just make sure you get your order in before 17 December to ensure you get your medicines in time for the festive period, especially if you are travelling.”

Essential healthcare services available at Boots to support customers during the festive season include:

PrescriptionsPlus

PrescriptionsPlus offers customers a straightforward method to access and manage NHS repeat prescriptions. Given that the week preceding Christmas typically represents one of the busiest periods for dispensing, Boots urges people to order their repeat prescriptions as soon as possible and no later than December 17 to help guarantee they arrive before Christmas.

Upon registering for PrescriptionsPlus, customers can benefit from complimentary home delivery in England and a tracking facility that enables them to monitor the status of their prescription order throughout its entire journey, complemented by text message notifications. 

Customers can conveniently register via boots.com, and free delivery via Royal Mail is exclusively available only for patients registered with a GP in England.

The option to collect in-store (only at participating surgeries) is open to all customers registered with a participating GP anywhere in the UK, although charges may apply for store delivery. Prescription charges may also be applicable, and enrolment in the text messaging service is mandatory. Tracking is available when ordering via Boots.com.

NHS Pharmacy First Service

Under the NHS Pharmacy First Service, Boots pharmacies in England can provide patients with advice and prescription treatment for seven common conditions including sinusitis, sore throats, insect bites, earache in children, impetigo and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.

Over-the-counter medication and healthcare advice

Boots provides customers with access to more than 180 healthcare services, both privately and on behalf of the NHS. Over 700 healthcare brands are available in store and online, including providing symptom relief for seasonal illnesses such as common colds and the flu.

Boots customers can also have healthcare products delivered directly to their homes via boots.com on-demand, with home delivery options available through Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat.

Boots Online Doctor 

Boots Online Doctor offers a convenient way to access medical advice and support without the need for a GP appointment. It covers a variety of healthcare services including women’s health, sexual health, and general health.

The clinical and customer service teams are on hand to provide patient care throughout the festive season, with the exception of Christmas Day and a limited service on New Year’s Day.

It’s important to note that treatment access is contingent upon an online consultation with a clinician to evaluate suitability. This service is subject to availability and charges do apply.