Ahead of the spring bank holiday (Monday 27 May), people in the Black Country are being reminded how to access NHS health services.

News - 24 May 2024

Due to the bank holiday some services such as GP surgeries and pharmacies may be closed or working on a reduced service. Selected pharmacies will still be available for prescriptions, non-urgent medical advice, and treatment of common ailments.

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.

Downloads

A full list of Black Country pharmacies and opening times can be found Click Here.

You might also be interested in

High blood pressure can lead to stroke and heart disease.

It is thought that around 6 million people in the UK have high blood pressure and are not aware of it. High blood pressure is the main cause of strokes and heart attacks in the UK but as it often has no symptoms it goes undetected. Know Your Numbers week aims to reduce that by encouraging people to get a blood pressure check and therefore, taking the first steps to reducing their risk of a stroke or a heart attack.
Knowing Your Numbers means that you can start making lifestyle changes or get medication to help bring your blood pressure down.

Home monitoring is an easy way of checking your blood pressure. You can buy affordable blood pressure monitors from your local pharmacy and check your numbers without having to take have a GP appointment. The NHS have the guide to help you understand your blood pressure reading. Check your blood pressure reading - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

You have the power to successfully manage your blood pressure – but only if you know your numbers. Get yours measured before damage is done.
News

People living in the Black Country are being invited to share their views on the future of primary care.

The NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working with GPs and health leaders across the lack Country on a programme of work to transform and improve primary care over the next five years.

Primary care includes general practice, community pharmacy, dental and optometry services. These services are often the first places people go to for help with their health.

A five-year strategy has been developed, setting out the ambition for how primary care services can be transformed. It has identified new ways of working which will help reduce pressures, make general practice more sustainable and improve the experiences of patients and staff alike. It will focus on delivering better unplanned, planned and preventive care which will lead to healthier lifestyles and improved outcomes for people across the Black Country.

People in the Black Country are being given the chance to share their views on areas in the strategy, as well as their own experiences and ideas to help transform primary care
News

Healthwatch Walsall Eye Care Survey

Healthwatch Walsall is undertaking a project about understanding people’s experiences of optometry and ophthalmology. We want to hear people’s experiences of eye care services in Walsall. We’ll use your feedback to help the NHS identify improvements.

In this survey, we will ask you about your experience of eye care services in the last two years, including individuals who have in the past or are currently waiting for any specialist eye care treatment.
News