NHS Blackburn with Darwen has taken steps to advise the community about planning their medical care well in advance of the upcoming bank holidays on April 22, 25, 29 and May 2, covering Good Friday, Easter Monday, Royal Wedding day and May Day.
GPs can also expect to receive individual letters detailing the services being provided throughout the bank holiday period.
Residents are being advised to book routine appointments, make provisions for collecting medicines and repeat prescriptions well in advance with the closure of GP and dental practices.
Patients will be able to access self-care pharmacy services who will can give advice on minor ailments such as coughs, colds, sore throats and other minor illnesses.
They can also contact NHS Direct or the out of hours GP service.
Patients are being made aware that in absolute emergencies the Urgent Care Centre at Royal Blackburn Hospital is open 24 hours, seven days a week or for life threatening illnesses/injuries and that they can dial 999 or attend the emergency department at Royal Blackburn Hospital.
Due to the increased pressures on the health services over holiday periods it is imperative that patients make sensible use of the services available and ‘Choose Well.’
Plans are also being made for extra GP walk-in services over the two weekends for the treatment of minor injuries and minor illnesses. These will be announced in due course and published online.
The aim of the additional services is to try to ensure that people who don’t need to attend the hospital’s emergency department /Urgent Care Centre stay away, which will in turn ensure that people with more serious injuries or illnesses can be treated there.
