Some community pharmacies across the Black Country are extending their opening hours this winter to ensure residents can access timely healthcare advice and treatment during one of the busiest times of the year.
The initiative aims to support local NHS services by offering convenient access to expert care for minor illnesses and urgent medication queries.
Pharmacists can provide advice and treatment for a wide range of common winter conditions without the need for an appointment, such as:
- Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- Earache (aged 1 year to 17 years)
- Infected insect bite (aged 1 year and over)
- Impetigo - a bacterial skin infection (aged 1 year and over)
- Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (women aged 16 years to 64 years)
- Oral contraception and morning after pill
- And other minor illnesses.
Sarbjit Basi, Director of Primary Care for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Bord (ICB), said: “Community pharmacies play a vital role in supporting our local health system, particularly during winter when demand increases significantly. By extending opening hours, we are making it easier for residents to get the help they need quickly and conveniently.”
People in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton are encouraged to check which pharmacies are participating and their extended opening times
