Useful information for the Christmas holidays

Below we feature local pharmacy opening times, who to call for non-emergency health concerns, including mental health support, and dentistry.

In an emergency

People experiencing a genuine, life-threatening health emergency, such as heavy bleeding, significant chest pain or loss of consciousness, should seek help straight away by calling 999 or by visiting the nearest hospital emergency department.

Get medical and mental health support help with NHS 111

NHS 111 can also be used for less urgent health concerns to get advice and information based on individual symptoms and also mental health support.

The service is available 24 hours a day, including weekends and bank holidays, and can be accessed online at 111.nhs.uk or by phone by calling 119.

Pharmacy

Many local pharmacies will be closed or operating reduced hours throughout the Christmas period. However, there are still some pharmacies local to the borough you can visit if you want to speak to a pharmacist about any health concerns and minor illnesses. These include:

• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)

• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)

• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)

• shingles (aged 18 years and over)

• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)

• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)

• urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)

Other services pharmacies provide include:

• advice on medicines

• disposal of old medicines

• help with new medicines

• emergency contraception

• free blood pressure checks

The pharmacies listed below should be open as shown. The details are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change.

You are advised to contact the pharmacy before attending to ensure they are open and have the medication you require.

Urgent/emergency dentistry

Check out our information page on where to go and who to call if you or a family member have an urgent or emergency dental issue: December 2025: All you need to know about dentistry in Reading

How to get help for your mental health 

For immediate help

If your life - or someone else's life - is in immediate danger, please call 999 or go to A&E.

For same or next day help

You can get support in different ways depending on what you prefer. All services are free.

• Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (available 24/7). To request an interpreter, please ask someone to call on your behalf and say which language is needed.

• Call the Samaritans on 116 123 (available 24/7)