Please find key health messages for all of our system partners to use when high demand for services is high.
Please ensure that all images posted on social media make use of the 'alt text' function, and duplicate any words that appear in a graphic so the same information is accessible to those using screen readers. You should also describe any imagery that appears within this description. Please also ensure that key information is communicated in the post text, rather than relying on a visual asset. You can find further guidance and how to do this for different platforms below and for further advice on writing image descriptions, see here: https://
Social media posts
Post 1:
Feeling unwell? Make sure you know where to go to get the right care. If you are unsure visit NHS 111 online first, go to 111.nhs.uk #HelpUsHelpYou
Post 2:
Find the right NHS service for your medical need; help us help you before your illness gets worse - get more info at www.blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/find-right-service-you #HelpUsHelpYou
Graphics
- Where to go for medical help - carousel 1
- 111.nhs.uk - carousel 2
- Pharmacy or GP practice - carousel 3
- 999 for life-threatening emergencies - carousel 4
Assets
More resources to promote your local pharmacy services are also available here.
Opening times during bank holidays can be found here
General social posts
Post 1:
If you or your family become unwell, you may not always need to see a doctor or get a prescription. Your local pharmacy should always be your first choice for help with minor ailments and conditions. Find out more, go to www.blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/find-right-service-you/your-local-pharmacy #HelpUsHelpYou
Post 2:
If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s a cough or cold, don’t wait until it gets worse. Get help from your local pharmacist, the sooner the better - pharmacists are here to help. #HelpUsHelpYou
Pharmacy Opening Times
Post 1:
Over this bank holiday, a number of community pharmacies across the Black Country will be open. Trained pharmacists will be on hand to provide clinical advice and over-the-counter treatment to safely manage minor illnesses. Find out which pharmacies near you are open, at blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/
Order repeat prescriptions social posts
Post 1:
It’s important to be prepared ahead of the bank holiday. If you require repeat medication, please order your prescriptions in plenty of time as surgeries and pharmacies will be closed. Make sure vulnerable people you know have everything they need, too.
Post 2:
You can order your repeat prescriptions via the NHS App. The NHS App is available on the App Store and on Google Play. For more information visit www.
Assets
Use the messaging below to help prepare people for common ailments by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. More information on what to stock can be found here.
Social posts
Post 1:
A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help you treat many minor illnesses at home, such as coughs, colds, sickness and diarrhoea. To find a useful list of items to stock from Black Country ICB, go to https://
Post 2:
Be prepared for common ailments by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. It should include pain relief, decongestants, antihistamines as well as a well-prepared first aid kit. Find the recommended full list online, go to https://
Assets
Short copy for websites:
Did you know NHS111 is now available online? If you have an urgent care need NHS111 online can help to make sure you get the medical help you need. It may save a telephone call or a trip to the hospital. And there are healthcare professionals who will call you if needed. NHS111 links to all our local services so should only recommend services that are right for you and open when you need them. You can also find NHS111 online on your NHS App. This can be downloaded from your usual app store.
Social media posts:
Post 1:
Emergency departments are busy at the moment, so if you have an urgent care need, NHS111 online can help to make sure you get the right medical help. It may save a telephone call or a trip to the hospital. And, if needed, a healthcare professional will call you. Visit 111.nhs.uk #HelpUsHelpYou
Post 2:
If you need urgent care during the the bank holiday go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Contacting NHS111 first will help direct you to the right care, in the right place, quickly and safely.
Assets
Please share the information and images below to increase awareness and benefits of NHS App and encourage people to download the app.
Social media post:
The NHS App, owned and run by the NHS, can be accessed by anyone aged 13 and over registered with an NHS GP surgery in England or Isle of Man. Download for easy, 24/7 access to a growing range of health services and information: http://nhs.uk/helpmeapp
Assets
Download promotional materials about the NHS App from NHS Digital
All PCNs across the Black Country are offering enhanced access appointments between 6.30pm to 8.00pm Monday and Friday, and between 9.00am and 5.00pm on Saturdays. Please share the information below to increase awareness.
Social media posts:
Post 1:
If you need a GP appointment this bank holiday, please contact NHS 111 online. Go to 111.nhs.uk or dial 111 - they will direct you to your GP out of hours service.
Post 2:
If you need a GP appointment this bank holiday, please telephone your GP surgery and listen to the out of hours information.You can read more on our website, go to [insert link to your webpage].
Post 3:
Many GP practices will be closed this bank holiday. But, if you need urgent medical help, GP appointments are available. Please contact NHS 111 online, go to 111.nhs.uk or dial 111 who can direct you to your GP out of hours service.
Suggested answer phone messages:
If you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need, please contact NHS 111 online at www.111.nhs.uk or by dialling 111. NHS 111 online will help you right away, and if needed, you will be directed to our GP out of hours service.
Or if local arrangements are in place:
If you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need, and require a GP appointment out of hours, please contact [insert local service and contact information].
Assets
- Enhanced access video by local GP, Dr Mohit Mandiratta
- We're here for you evenings and weekends graphic
- Accessing general practice services graphic
Useful links
Those who need access to dental care and are registered with a dentist, should call their surgery as normal. If the dentist is closed or you don’t have a dentist, contact NHS 111 for advice.
Social media post:
Post 1:
If you think you need urgent dental treatment over the bank holiday, please contact your usual dentist. If you can't, or don't have one, use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or dial 111. If an urgent appointment is needed you will be provided with details of your local out of hours service.
