Keep yourself ‘elfy’ over the festive period!
NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging you to learn which services are available this Christmas.
Unfortunately, with the excitement and magic of the festive season, comes the winter illnesses. That’s why the local NHS is encouraging people in Birmingham and Solihull to use the right services for your needs.
If you’re unsure where to go, or if you need GP appointment at your surgery or extended access hub, why not download the new NHS Birmingham and Solihull Health App? You can use it to check your symptoms, book appointments, order medication and speak to a GP via telephone or video.
You can also visit a local walk-in centre during the Christmas and New Year period. All walk-in centres in Birmingham and Solihull, excluding Birmingham Walk-in Centre (located within Boots), will be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years’ Day, from 8am-8pm.
Alternatively, if you’re unsure which service you require, you can always call NHS 111 for free or visit 111.nhs.uk/, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dr Richard Mendelsohn, a local GP and Chief Medical Officer at NHS Birmingham and Solihull CCG, said: “There are many common illnesses and injuries that can be treated at home, so make sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet, to avoid having to venture out. Good items to have include your usual pain relief, diarrhoea relief, rehydration sachets, antihistamines and heartburn and indigestion remedies, as well as first aid essentials, such as plasters, dressings, eye wash and bandages.”
“You can also visit your local pharmacy for advice on illnesses such as sore throats, coughs, cold, tummy troubles and aches and pains.”
Options during the festive period:
- Self-care – make sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, so you can deal with minor injuries and ailments.
- Pharmacy – your local pharmacist can give you quick, confidential advice on lots of common illnesses, as well as over-the-counter medication. Find out if your local pharmacy is open during the festive period here.
- GP practice extended access appointments – some practices will be offering limited appointments, but these must be booked in advance through your GP practice. Find out the details of the hubs here.
- NHS 111 – if you’re worried about an urgent medical concern, or not sure which NHS service you need, you can either call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Walk-in centre or urgent care centre – if you have an illness or injury that cannot wait until your GP surgery is open, you can visit a local walk-in centre.