Health bosses reveal Fylde Coast festive pharmacy opening times

All pharmacies will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, although specific closing times may vary and residents wishing to access these services should check with their local branch for details.

For people wishing to access non-emergency healthcare on Christmas Day, the pharmacy at Whitegate Health Centre in Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, will be open from early until late, while Tomlinson’s Chemist in Market Square, Lytham, will open for a short period around lunchtime.

There will be limited opening times for pharmacies on Monday, December 28, which is a bank holiday, but facilities will be available in Blackpool, Fleetwood, Lytham, St Annes and Cleveleys.

And on New Year’s Day, pharmacies in Sainsbury’s stores in St Annes and Blackpool will open from 10am to 5pm, while Whitegate Pharmacy will open again from early until late.

Health leaders across the Fylde Coast have reminded residents that pharmacists can offer expert and confidential advice on a range of minor ailments and offer a real alternative to A&E.

A spokesman on behalf of NHS Fylde and Wyre and NHS Blackpool CCGs and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “The holiday seasons always provide added pressures to emergency health services and Blackpool Victoria Hospital’s A&E is no different.

“We would urge everyone who finds themselves feeling unwell over the festive period to consider whether their symptoms are serious or life-threatening before going to hospital.

“With plenty of pharmacists opening their doors throughout Christmas, this is a real alternative for those people who are suffering from some minor symptoms.

“It is also worth remembering the walk-in centre in Whitegate Drive will remain open every day throughout Christmas and New Year and is able to treat a wide range of minor illnesses and injuries.”

The three organisations launched the ‘Think! Why A&E?’ campaign 12 months ago in a bid to raise awareness of the alternatives to hospital among people on the Fylde.