Feeling Unwell at the Edinburgh Christmas Market? How Visitors Can Access a UK-Wide Online Prescriber Fast

Visiting Edinburgh for the Christmas Market — but feeling unwell?

Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is one of the most magical winter events in Europe — between the mulled wine, fairground rides, ice rink, and packed Princes Street Gardens, it’s easy to get swept up in the festive energy.

But with cold weather, travel fatigue, crowded spaces and new foods, it’s also common for visitors to suddenly feel unwell. Sore throats, sinus pressure, urinary discomfort, chesty coughs, stomach upsets, etc. - they can happen at the worst possible time: especially when you’re far from home.

If you’re staying in a hotel, Airbnb, student accommodation or with friends, trying to navigate NHS services as a visitor can feel confusing or time-pressured.

That’s where a private UK-wide online video consultation can help.

Photo shows a laptop, a phone and wired earphones.

1. What if you need medical assessment while visiting Edinburgh?

You don’t need to be registered with a local GP to get help. Through our online service, you can speak to a UK-registered independent prescriber from anywhere in the UK, including Edinburgh — whether you’re:

• At the Christmas Market

• In your hotel near Princes Street

• Staying in the Old Town, New Town or Leith

• Travelling with family for a weekend break

All you need is a phone, tablet or laptop.

2. What happens in the online video consultation?

During your appointment, your prescriber will:

• Take a full clinical history

• Assess your symptoms

• Ask about any medical conditions, allergies or medications

• Discuss treatment options

• Advise whether your condition needs monitoring, self-care, a prescription, or onward referral

If a prescription-only medicine (like antibiotics) is clinically appropriate, we can issue a private electronic prescription you can use at most pharmacies in Edinburgh — including those close to the Christmas Market, Waverley Station, or your hotel.

3. What do visitors commonly need help with in winter?

Some of the conditions we frequently assess include:

• Seasonal sore throats or tonsillitis

• Sinus pressure or ear discomfort

• Worsening coughs

• Inflamed skin conditions

• Urinary symptoms

• Shingles

• Travel-related stomach issues

Not all of these require antibiotics — but some do. Your prescriber will explain what is and isn’t appropriate.

4. Can tourists use this service?

Yes — as long as you are physically in the UK at the time of the consultation, you can use the service even if you’re only visiting for a couple of days.

5. Need help quickly while visiting Edinburgh?

Don’t waste the short time you have here trying to figure out where to be seen. We can help!

Book a same-day online video consultation

— anywhere in Edinburgh —

and get clear, evidence-based advice and support.