Residents across mid and south Essex will have access to vital medicines and health advice over the Christmas period, as the NHS has confirmed which local pharmacies will be open on Christmas Day. While many will be closed from Thursday 25th to Monday 29th December, a number of chemists will operate for limited hours to support those who are unwell or require urgent assistance.
Essential Access to Medicines and Advice
Dr Matthew Sweeting, executive medical director at NHS Mid and South Essex, emphasised the crucial role community pharmacies play. "Community pharmacies can support you with advice and medication for many common health conditions, including antibiotics, if necessary," he said. "Pharmacists are qualified health professionals that can help advise you on treatment options or direct you to health services that can help if you need extra support."
The NHS advises that the best way to locate an open pharmacy is to use the NHS 'find a pharmacy' service on the official NHS website. This tool provides quick access to service information, including opening hours, contact details, and available services for each listed pharmacy. People are urged to always check online before making a journey.
Pharmacy First and Emergency Contacts
Many pharmacies in the region can also provide treatment through the Pharmacy First scheme. This allows pharmacists to supply prescription medication for seven common illnesses without the need for a GP appointment. The conditions covered include sore throats, sinusitis, earache in children aged 1-17, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, and urinary tract infections for women aged 16-64.
For urgent medical help that is not a life-threatening emergency, residents should check NHS 111 online or call 111. This service operates 24 hours a day and will direct people to the most appropriate local NHS service based on their symptoms. In a serious or life-threatening emergency, the 999 line remains available around the clock.
Mental health crisis support is also accessible. Adults can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option at any time. Young people under 18 can call 0800 953 0222 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or 0800 995 1000 outside these hours and on bank holidays.
Confirmed Christmas Day Pharmacy Opening Times
The following pharmacies in mid and south Essex have confirmed they will be open with limited hours on Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day):
Basildon and Brentwood:
- Great Berry Pharmacy, Basildon, SS16 6SA - 10am to 1pm
- Whitmore Pharmacy, Basildon, SS14 2HB - 1pm to 5pm
- Ongar Road Pharmacy, Brentwood, CM15 9DZ - 9am to 1pm
Mid Essex:
- Meadows Pharmacy, Braintree, CM7 3JN - 9am to 1pm
- Writtle Road Pharmacy, Chelmsford, CM1 3RW - 9am to 1pm
- Rivermead Pharmacy, Chelmsford, CM1 1TR - 9am to 1pm
- Blackwater Pharma, Maldon, CM9 5GP - 11am to 3pm
- Heybridge Pharmacy, Maldon, CM9 4GD - 8am to 11am
- Govani Chemists, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5TD - 10am to 1pm
- Witham Pharmacy, Witham, CM8 2AF - 10am to 2pm
Southend and South East Essex:
- Southchurch Pharmacy, Southend-On-Sea, SS1 2PN - 2pm to 6pm
- Daynite Pharmacy, Hadleigh, SS7 2BN - 9am to 1pm
- Derix Healthcare Pharmacy, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 3JP - 9am to 2pm
- Elmsleigh Pharmacy, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 4JH - 10am to 1pm
- Leigh Road Pharmacy, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 1JN - 1pm to 5pm
- Queensway Pharmacy, Southend-On-Sea, SS1 2NL - 9am to 1pm
Thurrock:
- Dips Chemist, Chadwell St Mary, RM16 4QR - 2pm to 4pm
- Steve's Chemist, Grays, RM17 6BU - 12 noon to 4pm
- Vision Pharmacy, Grays, RM16 2AP - 10am to 1pm
- Allcures Pharmacy, Corringham, SS17 9AA - 10am to 2pm
- Essex Pharmacy, Tilbury, RM18 8AD - 10am to 2pm
For more detailed information on the Pharmacy First scheme and looking after personal healthcare over the festive weekend, residents are encouraged to visit the NHS Mid and South Essex website.
