NHS Blackburn with Darwen is urging residents to ‘Choose Well’ for the upcoming bank holidays.
GP surgeries and dental practices will be closed on April 22, 25, 29 and May 2, covering Good Friday, Easter Monday, Royal Wedding day and May Day.
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.’
If you are ill or injured, choosing the right service for your needs will help you get the treatment you need as quickly as possible.
Where possible, self-treat or phone the NHS Direct helpline which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 0845 46 47, or alternatively you can visit: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Where necessary, seek the advice of your local pharmacist. Although running a reduced service, several pharmacies will remain open over the bank holiday period. For full opening times visit: www.bwd.nhs.uk/public-health/bank-holiday-information
The out of hours GP service is based on the Royal Blackburn Hospital site and is available 24 hours over the two bank holiday weekends. To access this service phone: 0845 22 62 626
You can access a web-based symptom checker at: www.bwd.nhs.uk/public-health/bank-holiday-information
For help finding an NHS Dentist or for urgent and routine care for patients, Blackburn and East Lancs Dental Services will be available on 0845 5333230 over both bank holiday weekends.
In absolute emergencies the Urgent Care Centre at Royal Blackburn Hospital is open 24 hours, seven days a week. For life threatening illnesses/injuries dial 999 or visit the emergency department at Royal Blackburn Hospital.
Dominic Harrison, Director of Public Health for NHS Blackburn with Darwen, said: “The emergency department and urgent care services will only be able to operate effectively if patients ‘choose well’ and those that can look after themselves stay away and self-care. That way, the emergency services can focus on those patients who are too unwell to look after themselves.
For more information on all bank holiday services and provisions visit: www.bwd.nhs.uk/public-health/bank-holiday-information or www.facebook.com/bwdsi
Ad vans will be out in the borough from Wednesday April 20 displaying information relating to bank holiday health services.
