NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved for you and your loved ones, both in the area you live in and across the country.
People in the Black Country are being reminded to order any repeat prescriptions they
may need ahead of the festive season.
GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period, making it more challenging for people to access medicines at short notice.
Every bank holiday, NHS 111 sees an increase in people getting in touch about repeat prescriptions. Waiting and using emergency or urgent services over the festive break puts added pressure on already busy services.
To avoid this and to ensure health is not put at any unnecessary risk, people are being asked to submit any repeat prescriptions that are due for renewal in plenty of time before the festive period, to make sure there is enough time for them to be processed and dispensed.
Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB)
said: “Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use it to manage a long-term health condition, and is the last thing you want to do while you’re celebrating with loved ones over the festive season.
“That’s why we’re reminding anyone who may need a repeat prescription to order them well ahead of the bank holiday period and not leave it until the last minute when pharmacies and GP practices are operating with limited opening hours.
“This can be a busy time of the year, especially in the build-up to Christmas, but it’s important that we also take time to think about our health and do what we can to stay well. Having a medicine cabinet at home with some simple over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and anti-diarrhoea tablets is also recommended so you can treat any common illnesses or ailments yourself.”
Most repeat medication requests can be made online, via local practice websites or through the NHS App. People who do not use the internet can approach their practice to access their prescriptions.
If you or a loved one becomes unwell over the festive period and is in need of urgent health
advice or treatment – particularly over the bank holidays when GP practices will be closed –
contact NHS 111 by dialling 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
Eligible people in the Black Country are being invited to come forward for a flu and COVID19 vaccine from this week.
The vaccination programmes are set to start from Thursday 3 October 2024, with appointments
available to book now.
Similar to last year, those eligible for a COVID-19 and flu vaccine include:
• all adults aged 65 years and over
• people who live in a care home for older adults
• people aged 6 months to 64 years with health conditions that make them more vulnerable
• frontline health and social care staff, including in care homes for older adults
• pregnant women.
The flu vaccine is also available to children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions.
Eligible people can book an appointment via the NHS website, on the NHS App or by calling 119.
Community pop-up clinics are also being hosted at a range of locations in the Black Country, with flu and COVID-19 vaccines available for eligible adults on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary. To find your nearest pop-up clinic, visit the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) website here.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Black Country ICB, said: "It’s vital that everyone prepares for potential winter illnesses, especially those who are at higher risk.
“It can be easy to become complacent, however it’s important for those who are eligible to top up
their protection, even if they have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as
immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.
“Vaccines remain our best defence, keeping people from developing serious illnesses and helping
to minimise hospitalisations during busy winter months. So, I would encourage anyone who
receives an invite for either vaccine to please get booked in as soon as possible.”
Calls to 119 are free from mobiles and landlines and the booking service provides support in
200 different languages. Those who have difficulties communicating or hearing or are a BSL user
can use textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service.
