As the August bank holiday weekend approaches, people living in Birmingham and Solihull are being reminded of their healthcare options, should they need medical advice or help over the long weekend.

This year the bank holiday falls on Monday 31 August.

Some GP practices across Birmingham and Solihull will be open on the Saturday, Sunday and on Bank Holiday Monday; patients are advised to check their practice website, or give the practice a call, to find out if they are offering appointments.

In addition, lots of local pharmacies are also open and pharmacy opening times are available here. Please do not attend a pharmacy if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

Dr Richard Mendelsohn, a Birmingham GP and NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “There are lots of healthcare options available to people in Birmingham and Solihull over the summer bank holiday.

“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 any inconvenience and unnecessary journeys.

“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.

Local people are also advised to contact NHS 111, which is free and available 24 hours a day. 111 is a non-emergency service which offers urgent health care assessment and can signpost you to the most appropriate care for your condition; this could be self-care, your GP, a local pharmacy, walk-in centre, the emergency department or they’ll arrange for an emergency ambulance if required. Contact 111 online at www.111.nhs.uk or by calling 111 for urgent enquiries.

“Importantly, patients are now required to contact NHS 111 before they attend any local walk-in or urgent treatment centre to seek advice, and if necessary, they will offered a booked appointment. This is to ensure the centre does not become overcrowded and strict infection prevention measures can be adhered to.”