People living across Lancashire and South Cumbria have been urged to be ready for Easter by planning ahead for repeat prescriptions and using the most appropriate NHS service.
GP surgeries will be closed during the Easter weekend, including Good Friday and Easter Monday on 15 and 18 April.
For any urgent care needs, patients are asked to visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 to be signposted to the most appropriate service. This could be a walk-in centre, pharmacy or an out-of-hours GP appointment.
In a life-threatening situation, people should always call 999.
A number of pharmacies will remain open and can help people deal with minor ailments and illnesses, and provide expert advice. To find your nearest pharmacy and when it is open, visit www.healthierlsc.co.uk/latest-news/easter-pharmacy-2022 or see the table below.
Friday 15 April
| Pharmacy Name | Address | PostCode | Open | Close |
| Boots | 28-38 Bank Hey Street, Blackpool, Lancashire | FY1 4TE | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| Lloyds Pharmacy | Sainsburys Store, Red Bank Road, Bispham, Blackpool, Lancashire | FY2 9HH | 10:00 | 16:00 |
| Morrisons Pharmacy | Morrisons, Amy Johnson Way, Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool, Lancashire | FY4 2AY | 09:00 | 18:00 |
| Tesco Instore Pharmacy | Clifton Retail Park, Clifton Road, Blackpool, Lancashire | FY4 4UJ | 09:00 | 13:00 |
| Whitegate Pharmacy | Whitegate Health Centre, 150 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire | FY3 9ES | 08:00 | 21:00 |
| Asda Pharmacy | Dock Street, Fleetwood | FY7 6NU | 10:00 | 16:00 |
| Boots | 64-66 Clifton Street, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire | FY8 5EW | 09:00 | 17:30 |
| Morrisons Pharmacy | Amounderness Way, Thornton Cleveleys | FY5 3TS | 09:00 | 18:00 |
Sunday 17 April
| Pharmacy Name | Address | PostCode | Open | Close | |
| Cohens Chemist | Moor Park Health & Leisure Centre, Bristol Avenue, Blackpool | FY2 0JG | 13:00 | 16:00 | |
| Whitegate Pharmacy | Whitegate Health Centre, 150 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool | FY3 9ES | 08:00 | 21:00 | |
| Whitworth Chemists | 80B Charles Street, Blackpool | FY1 3JJ | 10:00 | 13:00 | |
| Albert Wildes Pharmacy | West View Health Village, Broadway, Fleetwood | FY7 8GU | 01253 872701 | 13:00 | 16:00 |
| Kepple Lane Pharmacy | Kepple Lane, Garstang | PR3 1PB | 01995 607399 | 10:00 | 13:00 |
Monday 18 April
| Pharmacy Name | Address | PostCode | Telephone | Open | Close |
| Boots | 28-38 Bank Hey Street, Blackpool | FY1 4TE | 01253 622276 | 10:30 | 16:30 |
| Lloyds Pharmacy | Sainsbury Store, Red Bank Road, Bispham, Blackpool | FY2 9HH | 01253 596709 | 10:00 | 16:00 |
| Morrisons Pharmacy | Morrisons Supermarket, Amy Johnson Way, Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool, Lancashire | FY4 2AY | 01253 343377 | 10:00 | 16:00 |
| Tesco Instore Pharmacy | Tesco , Clifton Retail Park, Clifton Road, Blackpool, Lancashire | FY4 4UJ | 01253 964510 / 0345 266 6548 | 09:00 | 13:00 |
| Whitegate Pharmacy | Whitegate Health Centre, 150 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire | FY3 9ES | 01253 807 808 | 08:00 | 21:00 |
| Asda Pharmacy | Dock Street, Fleetwood | FY7 6NU | 10:00 | 16:00 | |
| Boots | 3 St Annes Road West, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire | FY8 1SB | 11:00 | 16:00 | |
| Boots | 64-66 Clifton Street, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire | FY8 5EW | 11:00 | 16:00 | |
| Morrisons Pharmacy | Amounderness Way, Thornton Cleveleys | FY5 3TS | 10:00 | 16:00 |
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.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, the 24/7 Crisis Line is available on 0800 953 0110.
Dr Peter Gregory, associate medical director for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “The Easter holiday period can be a very busy time for NHS services, and using the 111 service online will help us treat patients in the right setting. This could also help keep staff free to deal with serious or life-threatening emergencies.
“It is also worth checking your general medicine cabinet before 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.”
Kath Gulson, executive chair of Community Pharmacy Lancashire, said: “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. People can be seriously ill if they run out of medicines and may need to be admitted to hospital, which can be avoided by ordering your prescription early.”
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