Winter in 2021-22 is going to be one of the hardest ever for the NHS. The pandemic meant some extraordinary pressures but this year we not only face the COVID-19 pandemic continuing but also all the other illnesses that spread more easily as people are out socialising again.
Combined with catching up with delayed appointments from during the pandemic lockdowns it’s no surprise that health services are at their limit.
We want to make sure everyone has access to the best quality health care available at a time they need it. However due to pressures we are not able to promise you won’t have to wait slightly longer for appointments. For example A&E at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals will never turn someone with an emergency medical need away but they are recording some times when there are over 100 people in their waiting room with waits of up to eight hours or more for those who are less serious than others.
The best thing for anyone to do is avoid becoming unwell and, if you do need medical help, using the right service for your need means you will be seen quicker and emergency services are left for real emergencies.
Here are some of the main things you need to do this winter:
1 - Self care!
You can find out more on our self care page.
2 - Get vaccinated
There are two essential vaccines you need this winter: COVID-19 and Flu
Find out more about COVID-19 vaccination here
Find out more about FLU here
3 - Use the right service
4 - Order prescriptions in time
If you have a repeat prescription for regular medication make sure you get your prescription renewed in plenty of time so you’re not left without medication before the bank holidays.
On the bank holidays most GPs will be closed as will many of the pharmacies.
If you need a GP over the Bank Holidays you can call NHS 111 or your own practice to be diverted to an out of hours service.
Pharmacies that are open and opening times are below.
5 - Check pharmacy opening times
If you need medication for minor ailments you are always best to speak with a pharmacist. If you need to see one over the bank holiday period here are the ones that are open.
Saturday 25 December
- Whitegate Pharmacy, Whitegate Health Centre, 150 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool FY3 9ES – 8am-9pm
- Wesham Pharmacy, 22 Station Road, Wesham PR4 3AD – 10am-4pm
- Kepple Lane Pharmacy , Kepple Lane, Garstang PR3 1PB – 10am-1pm
Monday 27 December
- Norchem, 54-56 Norbreck Road, Blackpool FY5 1RP – 10am-1pm
- Whitegate Pharmacy, Whitegate Health Centre, 150 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool FY3 9ES – 8am-9pm
- Tesco Pharmacy, Clifton Retail Park, Clifton Road, Blackpool FY4 4UJ – 9am-1pm
- Asda Pharmacy, Dock Street, Fleetwood FY7 6NU – 10am-4pm
- Kepple Lane Pharmacy , Kepple Lane, Garstang PR3 1PB – 10am-1pm
Tuesday 28 December
- Norchem, 54-56 Norbreck Road, Blackpool FY5 1RP – 10am-1pm
- Whitegate Pharmacy, Whitegate Health Centre, 150 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool FY3 9ES – 8am-9pm
- Tesco Pharmacy, Clifton Retail Park, Clifton Road, Blackpool FY4 4UJ – 9am-1pm
- Asda Pharmacy, Dock Street, Fleetwood FY7 6NU – 10am-4pm
- Kepple Lane Pharmacy , Kepple Lane, Garstang PR3 1PB – 10am-1pm
Monday 3 January
- Norchem, 54-56 Norbreck Road, Blackpool FY5 1RP – 10am-midnight
- Whitegate Pharmacy, Whitegate Health Centre, 150 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool FY3 9ES – 8am-9pm
- Tesco Pharmacy, Clifton Retail Park, Clifton Road, Blackpool FY4 4UJ – 9am-1pm
- Asda Pharmacy, Dock Street, Fleetwood FY7 6NU – 10am-4pm
- Kepple Lane Pharmacy , Kepple Lane, Garstang PR3 1PB – 10am-1pm
Latest winter news
- Health services here for you this Christmas
- Ask Your Pharmacist Week aims to highlight the range of services available in pharmacies
- Keep Well by Keeping Warm in Winter
- Simple home adaptations to help prevent a fall
- Parents and carers in Lancashire and South Cumbria advised to be aware of the signs of respiratory illnesses and when to get help