People living on the Fylde coast will be able to access a number of local pharmacies this Bank Holiday Monday.
With doctors’ surgeries closed for an extra day, patients in the area will be able to visit their local pharmacist for help with any minor ailments or health concerns.
Pharmacies will be available in Blackpool, Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Lytham, St Annes and Thornton. For full details and opening times, visit www.thinkwhyaande.nhs.uk
Patients are urged to Think! Why A&E? before heading to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, which is already experiencing high demand.
Alternative health services such as the walk-in centre in Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, and same-day centre in Dock Street, Fleetwood, will be available as usual.
If illnesses or health complaints are not urgent and patients are unsure about what they should do, the NHS 111 phone line will help get them to the right place.
For a pdf document with all the opening times, visit http://whyaande.nhs.uk/download/August-bank-holiday-opening-times.pdf
- Think! Why A&E? is a joint campaign between NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG, NHS Blackpool CCG and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Self care – Minor illnesses, ailments and injuries can be treated at home. Coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains can be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.
- Pharmacy – Pharmacists offer a range of health services. As well as dispensing prescriptions and other medicines, your pharmacy can provide free confidential expert advice and treatment for a variety of common illnesses and complaints, without having to book a GP appointment. You can find your nearest pharmacy by visiting the ‘services near you’ section of nhs.uk.
- NHS 111 – This is a free telephone service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You should call 111 if you urgently need medical help or information, but your situation is not life-threatening. When you dial 111, you will be directed to the best local services to make sure you get fast and effective treatment.
- Walk-in or same day centres – These centres provide consultations, guidance and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency contraception and sexual health advice. There are two centres on the Fylde coast, (locations can be found at whyaande.nhs.uk) both operating seven days a week from 8am onwards.
- GP surgery – If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, make an appointment with your GP. They provide a range of services by appointment, and when absolutely essential, can make home visits. If you need to see a GP outside of the surgery’s normal opening hours, telephone the surgery and your call will be forwarded to the GP out-of-hours service.