Accessing NHS services during the festive season

News - 19 December 2024

Ahead of the festive period people in the Black Country are being reminded how to access health services.
Due to the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays, some services such as GP surgeries and pharmacies may be closed or operating reduced opening hours.

A number of pharmacies across the Black Country will be open for periods of time on Christmas
Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. They can offer health consultations and provide free medication for many common health conditions without the need for a GP prescription under the Pharmacy First scheme. This includes coughs, urine infections, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea and indigestion.

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.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “No one wants to get ill over Christmas, but it’s really important to make sure you know where to go for urgent health advice and treatment over the festive period in case you or a loved one becomes unwell.

“A number of pharmacies will be open over the festive season and should be your first port of call for any minor illnesses. Pharmacists are qualified health professionals who can offer advice and medicines for a range of ailments. And, if symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, they have the right training to make sure patients get the help they need. “If you need medical help or have any health concerns over Christmas and New Year period, please do not be put off from seeking help. The NHS is here for you, and you should always seek help if you need it.”

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.

A&E departments and 999 are there to treat the most serious and life-threatening conditions.

A full list of Black Country pharmacies and opening times can be found on the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) website. Click Here

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Last chance to book COVID-19 vaccine

Eligible people are being reminded to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment now.

The COVID-19 vaccination programme started in October and more than 120,000 people in the Black Country have come forward for a vaccine.

Following advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), those eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine now have until Friday 20 December to book an appointment via the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119.

After this date, COVID-19 vaccinations will only be available at local pop-up clinics on a walk-in basis.

Flu vaccines will still be available after 20 December and people can continue to book appointments via the NHS website or their local pharmacy.

People are eligible for a COVID-19 and flu vaccination if they are aged 65 or over, pregnant, aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups, live in a care home for older adults, or are a frontline health and social care worker.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Our winter vaccination programme has seen over 120,000 eligible people receive their COVID-19 vaccine so far, which is fantastic.

“Both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines can provide important protection to those eligible and their families ahead of Christmas and over winter, helping to prevent serious illness and minimise hospitalisations during the busy winter months.

“There are now only a few weeks left to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment either online or by calling 119 as the offer of ends on 20 December. So, I would encourage anyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine who hasn’t yet come forward to book an appointment while they can.”

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This Ask Your Pharmacist Week (4-11 November), people in the Black Country are being reminded to speak to their local pharmacist for any health advice this winter.

Ask Your Pharmacist Week is an annual initiative organised by the National Pharmacy Association, which aims to raise awareness of the full range of services on offer in pharmacies.

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Protect your child against flu this winter

Parents and carers in the Black Country are being encouraged to get their children vaccinated against flu this winter.

The flu vaccination provides vital protection to prevent children from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.

Children eligible for a flu vaccine include:
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