People are being urged not to wait at A&E if they have an urgent health problem this Christmas – as some GP practices in Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven are open on extra days to see patients.

Thanks to funding from Airedale Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS England, some GP practices are opening on Saturday and Sunday, and New Year’s Day.

Dr Colin Renwick, chairman of Airedale Wharfedale and Craven CCG, said: “We know demands on emergency services increase dramatically at this time of year, so it is important people stop and think: does this injury or illness really require emergency treatment?

“We are really grateful to the GPs and their staff who are providing extra sessions to help reduce pressures on other NHS services. Patients of practices who are not open will still be able to access urgent care through the NHS 111 service.

“We are also urging patients who take regular medicines to make sure they have enough stocks to last over the holidays by ordering their repeat prescriptions. This could prevent them becoming ill or even avert a medical emergency.”

Most practices are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day but will be open on Christmas Eve, Friday December 27, Monday, December 30 and New Year’s Eve.

Details of which practices in Airedale Wharfedale and Craven CCG are open are available at: airedalewharfedalecravenccg.nhs.uk/your-health/your-local-nhs-services-christmas-new-year/ Practices will also have this information on their websites and in reception areas.