GP surgeries and pharmacies in Wigan will open on Easter bank holidays

Medical staff will continue working hard over Easter to ensure people still have access to the medical support they need.

Many practices will speak to patients via telephone or video calls as much as possible and people are reminded to phone their GP practice, rather than just turn up, unless they are expected.

Dr Tim Dalton, a GP and chairman of NHS Wigan Borough CCG, said: “I want to thank our local GPs, practice staff, pharmacists and those dispensing who are working additional hours this weekend in an already stretched environment. Their dedication is a vital part of our fight against this virus and ensuring other critical medical conditions are managed.

"We do anticipate a busy weekend so please be patient and respect those working in our practices and pharmacies across our borough, they are doing an incredible job and are

placing themselves at risk to ensure others can receive the treatment and medicines they need.”

Pharmacies, like all other health services, are having to take extra precautions at the moment so smaller pharmacies may only be open from 2pm to 5pm, but larger pharmacies should maintain their normal opening times.

Dr Dalton said: “There are ways in which you can help your local pharmacy. I encourage everyone, where possible, to use online ordering and digital repeat prescriptions to take some strain off our pharmacies and please remember if you are in an at risk group or self-isolating please ask a family member, friend or neighbour to collect on your behalf."

The advice remains for people with the symptoms of coronavirus to self-isolate at home for seven days, and the other people in the household must self-isolate for 14 days. If you struggle to manage your symptoms, or become very unwell, ring NHS 111 for advice.

If you are in self-isolation - with or without symptoms - and do not have the support of family and friends but need help with non-medical issues, Wigan Council has set up a helpline 01942 489018.

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