Your Health

Care for yourself at home if you have a common health issue, like a cough, cold, sore throat or headache. Make sure you get plenty of rest and take your usual painkillers or medicines, if you need them (always read the label).

Your local pharmacist can help you with common illnesses like sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles and aches and pains. They can also help with stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol, advice on safe sex and emergency contraception. Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You don't need an appointment – you can just walk in. Many pharmacies also have private consultation rooms. Find your nearest pharmacy at www.nhs.uk  

Make an appointment with your GP if you are feeling unwell and it’s not an emergency. You can even book an appointment in the evenings and at weekends thanks to GP extended access. Out of hours you can still call your GP surgery and follow the instructions on the answerphone message. You can also call NHS 111 for help.

Call NHS 111 if you’re worried about an urgent medical concern or if you're not sure which NHS service you need. It’s free to call and open 24/7. Depending on the situation, the NHS 111 team can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist or even a GP, and can arrange face-to-face appointments if they think you need one. NHS 111 advisers can also assess if you need an ambulance, and send one immediately, if necessary. You can also get help from 111 online by downloading the Ask NHS app.

Visit a local walk-in, urgent care or urgent treatment centre, if you have an illness or injury, and it can't wait until your GP surgery is open. The following services are available in Birmingham and Solihull:

For help with mental health concerns:

If you live in Birmingham and are under 25 years old, call 0300 300 0099 or visit www.forwardthinkingbirmingham.org.uk

If you live in Birmingham and are over 25, or if you live in Solihull (and are any age), call 0121 305 2525 or visit: https://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/our-services/birmingham-healthy-minds/

For free, confidential and non-judgemental sexual health services:

Including all types of contraception, STI testing and treatment, call 0121 237 5700 or visit www.umbrellahealth.co.uk

Drugs and alcohol:

If you are worried about your drug and alcohol use, or someone else’s, call 0121 227 5890 or visit www.reachoutrecovery.org.uk for free and confidential help.

Dental emergencies:

If you have toothache, you can call NHS 111 for your local out of hours service in the area. Alternatively, you can visit Birmingham Dental Hospital between 8am and 2pm, Monday to Friday. NHS dental charges may apply.

Remember that Accident and Emergency (A&E) or 999 are for life-threatening emergencies only, such as loss of consciousness, persistent chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or severe allergic reactions. Call NHS 111 if you’re not sure what NHS service you need.