People across Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull are being reminded that GP practices and community pharmacies remain open and available throughout the festive period, with services operating as normal on all non-bank holiday weekdays.
Residents are encouraged to continue to contact their GP practice or visit their local pharmacy as they usually would if they need health advice, treatment or support over Christmas and New Year.
A number of community pharmacies will be open for set hours on bank holidays. Pharmacies can provide expert health advice and, through the Pharmacy First scheme, free treatment for a range of common conditions without the need to see a GP. These include coughs, sore throats, earache, urinary tract infections, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea and indigestion.
Details of which pharmacies are open and their festive opening times are via the NHS England website.
When GP practices are closed, people who need medical advice that is not an emergency should contact NHS 111, either online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.
NHS 111 can assess symptoms and direct people to the most appropriate local service, such as an out-of-hours GP service, a pharmacy, an urgent treatment centre or, if needed, an emergency department.
Sarb Basi, Director of Primary Care said: “No one plans to become unwell over the festive period, but it’s important to know where to turn if you do. Community pharmacies are a great first option for many minor illnesses, and NHS 111 is available 24/7 to help people get the right care in the right place when GP practices are closed.
“Please don’t delay seeking help if you’re worried about your health – NHS services remain available throughout Christmas and New Year.”
People should continue to use A&E and 999 only for serious or life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, signs of a stroke, severe breathing difficulties or serious injuries.
