Don’t forget to order repeat prescriptions in time for Easter

Residents of the Fylde coast are urged to be ready for Easter by planning ahead for repeat prescriptions and using NHS services appropriately.

GP surgeries will be closed during the Easter weekend, including Good Friday and Easter Monday on 14 and 17 April. By re-stocking their medicine cabinets if needed, knowing when their GP surgery is open and planning ahead for any necessary repeat prescriptions, people can ensure they make the most of the Easter holiday.

In a joint statement, Dr Amanda Doyle, chief clinical officer of NHS Blackpool CCG and Dr Tony Naughton, clinical chief officer of NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Mark O’Donnell, medical director of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Easter holiday period can be a very busy time for NHS services. Ordering and collecting a repeat prescription in good time not only ensures you keep well but could also help keep staff free to deal with serious or life-threatening emergencies.

Mark O’Donnell

“Making sure you have the right medicines could make all the difference. Taking daily medication is an important part of treatment for those with long-term health problems such as asthma and diabetes and they are at risk of suffering serious attacks or hospitalisation if they run out of medicine.”

It is also worth checking your general medicine cabinet prior to the Bank holiday to make sure it is well stocked with essentials such as paracetamol, cough and cold remedies, antihistamines and plasters and bandages. These can all be bought cheaply from supermarkets or pharmacies and your local pharmacist can also provide free, confidential, expert advice and treatment for a variety of common complaints

Residents who do become unwell over Easter and urgently need advice or medical treatment, but the situation is not life-threatening should call NHS 111. A fully trained assessor will listen to your symptoms, provide advice and if needed, direct you straightaway to the local service that can best meet your needs. The helpline is completely free of charge and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The NHS Walk-In Centre on Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, will be open 8am-8pm every day over the Easter bank holiday weekend with extra provision to help deal with the expected demand.. A wide range of minor injuries and illnesses are treated at the Walk-In Centre.

The Same-Day Health Centre on Dock Street, Fleetwood, will also be open throughout the Easter bank holiday, 8am – 10pm every day. Appointments are required and can be made my calling 0300 123 1144.

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