Think which service
Do you know which service you should use to get the right support at the right time?
As temperatures drop and nights draw in, it is important to remember that winter conditions can seriously affect your health. The NHS is here for you with local health and care professionals ready to help.
All you need to know is which service is right for your needs, at the right time:
Think pharmacist for the right advice and medication for your condition
You can speak to your local pharmacist in confidence, without the need for an appointment, about:
- Coughs, colds and the flu
- Aches, pains and minor injuries
- Dry skin and skin allergies
- Ear and eye care, such as dry eyes
- Stomach aches, constipation or diarrhoea
- Oral contraception
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Help with medication and repeat prescriptions
- Advice on healthy living – how to eat better, lose weight and stop smoking
- Advice on vitamins and minerals
- Pain relief (paracetamol and ibuprofen).
Think NHS 111 online if you’re not sure what to do
If you need urgent medical help, advice, or aren’t sure where to turn, use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
You can use NHS 111 if:
- You or someone you’re with has a medical problem that isn’t life-threatening, but you need advice on where to go
- You think you may need an urgent face-to-face appointment with a healthcare professional
- You need help with a repeat prescription or an emergency supply of medicines
- You require urgent dental or mental health support.
Fully trained advisors are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for fast and simple access to a range of health advice.
If you call, interpreters are available in your language.
Worried about your child’s rash, cough, sickness, injury or mental wellbeing? Visit our 0-18 years website dedicated to health advice for children developed by local health professionals. Visit the website at blackcountry0-18.nhs.uk.
Think which service is right for you
- For everyday health needs – visit www.nhs.uk, your local pharmacy, or contact your GP for advice and ongoing care.
- If you need urgent medical help (but it’s not an emergency) – use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for clinical advice, assessment, and guidance to the right service.
- In a life-threatening emergency – always call 999 immediately.
Help us help you this winter
- Find a local flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you at blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk / birminghamsolihull.icb.nhs.uk
- Follow good hand hygiene
- Attend your GP appointments and let your practice know if you need to cancel
- Get advice early from your local pharmacist if you feel unwell
- Keep yourself and your home warm – heat your home to 18°C if you can, and if you need any support or guidance visit gov.uk and search ‘help with heating’
- Check and stock your medicine cabinet
- Get your repeat prescriptions before your GP practice and pharmacy close for the festive period
- Look after your mental health – keep active, talk to family or friends and access support if you need it
- Look out for others – check in on vulnerable neighbours, friends and family.
Visit your local NHS website for more information and resources or if you require this information in a different language or format.
Use The Right Service
Self Care
Care for yourself at home
- Minor cuts and grazes
- Minor bruises
- Minor sprains
- Coughs and colds
Pharmacy
Local expert advice
- Minor illnesses
- Headaches
- Stomach upsets
- Bites and stings
- Free blood pressure checks (for people aged 40 and over)
- …and more
They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.
Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks
Find a pharmacy that offers the contraceptive pill without a prescription
Getting the contraceptive pill is free, with or without a prescription.
NHS 111
Non-emergency help
- Feeling unwell?
- Unsure?
- Anxious?
- Need help?
111 online is available for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.
You can also contact 111 in BSL through the 111 BSL Service.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
NHS 111 BSL
GP Advice
Out of hours: call 111
- Persistent symptoms
- Chronic pain
- Long term conditions
- New prescriptions
Please note: The Doctors do not see dental problems. They will not be able to give you dental treatment.
Please book an appointment with your dentist or find a dentist near you. NHS 111 can advise on an emergency dentist if needed.
Find a dentistUTCs
Urgent Treatment Centres
- Breaks and sprains
- X-rays
- Cuts and grazes
- Fever and rashes
A&E or 999
For emergencies only
- Choking
- Chest pain
- Blacking out
- Serious blood loss
Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
You can also contact the service in BSL through 999 BSL or text 999 (if you have registered your mobile number)
999 BSL
999 using a text: emergencySMS
