How to access NHS services during the festive season
Ahead of the festive period people in the Black Country are being reminded how to access health services.
Due to the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays, some services such as GP surgeries and pharmacies may be closed or operating reduced opening hours.
A number of pharmacies across the Black Country will be open for periods of time on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
They can offer health consultations and provide free medication for many common health conditions without the need for a GP prescription under the Pharmacy First scheme. This includes coughs, urine infections, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea and indigestion.
A full list of Black Country pharmacies and opening times can be found on the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) website.
People who need medical help that isn’t an emergency should contact NHS 111 in the first instance by visiting 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.
NHS 111 can help direct people to the most appropriate local health service if they aren’t sure where to go – this could include an out of hours GP, a pharmacy, a local NHS walk-in centre, or a hospital accident & emergency (A&E) department.
Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “No one wants to get ill over Christmas, but it’s really important to make sure you know where to go for urgent health advice and treatment over the festive period in case you or a loved one becomes unwell.
“A number of pharmacies will be open over the festive season and should be your first port of call for any minor illnesses. Pharmacists are qualified health professionals who can offer advice and medicines for a range of ailments. And, if symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, they have the right training to make sure patients get the help they need.
“If you need medical help or have any health concerns over Christmas and New Year period, please do not be put off from seeking help. The NHS is here for you, and you should always seek help if you need it.”
If you or a loved one becomes unwell over the festive period and is in need of urgent health advice or treatment – particularly over the bank holidays when GP practices will be closed – contact NHS 111 by dialling 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
A&E departments and 999 are there to treat the most serious and life-threatening conditions.
