GP practices to stay open this Easter

People in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre will continue to have access to their GP practice this Easter as surgeries stay open on the bank holidays.

As demand for health services continues to rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS leaders have decided to keep practices open from 8am to 6.30pm. All pharmacies will also be open. Opening times may vary but as a minimum will be from 2pm to 5pm.

And Fylde Coast residents have been asked to continue using services appropriately and to only access healthcare facilities when they really need to.

Dr Ben Butler-Reid, a Blackpool GP and clinical director for NHS Blackpool and NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), said: “It will be business as usual for our 36 GP practices in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre on both Good Friday and Easter Monday.

“We have been really pleased with the support from our patients over the course of this pandemic so far and the vast majority of people have followed the guidelines in terms of social distancing and staying away from public places, including their local health centres.

“So although we are staying open, we want people to continue with this behaviour. Only come into a GP practice if you’ve been asked to by a healthcare professional following a telephone call or video consultation.

“And do not go to your practice, the walk-in centre or the hospital if you feel you have symptoms of COVID-19. You must first visit 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 or call NHS111 if you are unable to use the internet.”

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