Pharmacy Easter and May Bank Holiday Opening Times

Doc­tors in Blackburn with Darwen are urg­ing local res­i­dents to plan ahead this Easter.

With minor ail­ments such as coughs and colds still com­mon dur­ing Easter, NHS Black­burn with Darwen Clin­i­cal Com­mis­sion­ing Group (CCG) are advis­ing peo­ple to take a few sim­ple steps to look after their health this month.

By know­ing when their GP surgery is open, re-stocking their med­i­cine cab­i­net and mak­ing sure they order any repeat pre­scrip­tions they need for them­selves and those they look after ahead of Easter, peo­ple can ensure they make the most of the hol­i­day weekend.

The four key steps that doc­tors rec­om­mend this Easter are:

1.       Know when your GP surgery will be open

Your local doctor’s surgery may be closed for four days dur­ing the Easter week­end, from April 18 to April 21.

2.       Use your local pharmacy

Your phar­ma­cist can pro­vide con­fi­den­tial, expert advice and treat­ment for a range of com­mon ill­nesses and com­plaints, with­out hav­ing to wait for a GP appoint­ment or go to A&E. First aid treat­ments for minor acci­dents such as plas­ters and anti­sep­tic creams can also be obtained from the pharmacy.

To find your near­est local pharmacy, visit www.nhs.uk/service-search or text ‘phar­macy’ to 64746.

3.       Restock your med­i­cine cabinet

A range of com­mon ill­nesses and com­plaints, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stom­achs and aches and pains can be treated with a well-stocked med­i­cine cab­i­net and plenty of rest.

4.       Make sure you have enough repeat prescription

If you or some­one you care for requires med­i­cines reg­u­larly, make sure you order and col­lect repeat pre­scrip­tions in good time to ensure you have enough med­i­cine to last over the hol­i­day period.

If you require help and advice for a non 999 emer­gency you can also call NHS 111. This is a free ser­vice, avail­able seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It offers help and advice for when it’s not a 999 emer­gency such as:

• you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
• you don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call
• you need health infor­ma­tion or reas­sur­ance about what to do next

A fully trained adviser, sup­ported by expe­ri­enced nurses and para­medics, will be able to pro­vide any advice you need or direct you to the local ser­vice that can best help you.

Click below to check the Easter open­ing hours for your local phar­macy.

Easter Opening Times Web BwD (pdf | 31.5 KiB)