If you or your family become unwell, you may not always need to see a doctor or get a prescription. Your local pharmacists are clinically trained experts in medicines, managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.
Pharmacists can help you with common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains. They alsomay offer medication advice and free consultations,perform health checks, and treat minor injuries and ailments.
Somepharmacies offer extended opening hours in the evenings and at weekends, and there is no need to book an appointment –just walk in.
As we move into the winter months, your local pharmacy can help you to get the help you need.
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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.
With two May bank holidays approaching, residents in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull are being reminded how to access NHS services should they need help during the long weekends.
With bank holidays falling on Monday 4 May and Monday 26 May, some NHS services – including GP practices and pharmacies – may be closed or operating on reduced hours.
However, a number of local pharmacies will remain open across the bank holiday weekends to provide advice, prescriptions, and treatment for common minor health concerns.
A full list of participating pharmacies and their opening times can be found on the NHS England
website.
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.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull ICB’s, said: “With two bank holidays coming up in May, it’s important that people know where to go for help if they or a loved one feel unwell.
“NHS 111 is there to help you get the right care, in the right place, as quickly as possible. It’s available around the clock and can direct you to the most appropriate local service based on your symptoms. If you can’t get online, you can simply call 111.
“Many community pharmacies will also be open and are a great first option for advice and treatment of minor illnesses like sore throats, coughs, colds, and stomach issues. Pharmacists are trained health professionals and can often help without the need for a GP appointment.
“It’s also a good idea to make sure your medicine cabinet is stocked with everyday essentials, such as pain relief, plasters, and remedies for common seasonal ailments. Your local pharmacist can help you with advice on what to keep on hand.
“Being prepared and choosing the right service means you’ll get the help you need faster – and it helps keep A&E and emergency services free for those who need them most.”
If urgent health advice or treatment is needed, NHS 111 is available 24/7 and can be accessed by dialling 111, visiting 111.nhs.uk or through the NHS App.
As schools break up for half term, health chiefs in the Black Country are encouraging parents and carers to ensure their children are up to date with their routine vaccinations at a local catch-up clinic.
School holidays provide a convenient opportunity for families to attend appointments, helping ensure children are protected against a range of serious but preventable diseases, while minimising disruption to their education.
Vaccinations remain one of the most effective ways to protect children from illnesses such as measles, meningitis, diphtheria, tetanus and polio. They also play a vital role in preventing the spread of infection within schools and the wider community.
Sally Roberts, Chief Clinical and Quality Officer for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "Half-term is an ideal time for parents and carers to check their child’s vaccination record and get any missed vaccines booked in. Keeping up to date with vaccinations helps protect not only your child, but also their classmates, families and the wider community.
“If your child has missed any of their vaccinations, a series of local catch-up clinics hosted by Vaccination UK are available across the Black Country.”
Child vaccines available at catch-up clinics include:
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• MenACWY (Meningitis A, C, W, Y)
• DTaP/IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis / Polio)
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus, where age-appropriate).
If you’re unsure what your child needs, the team can advise you when you book.
The clinics are being held at a range of locations across the Black County, these are:
Dudley
28 March 2026, 9am to 2pm
Oakfield Community Centre, 245 Brettell Ln, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge DY5 3LT
email: dudley@vaccinationuk.co.uk
phone: 01384 431 71
Walsall
1 April 2026, 9.30am to 1.30pm
Anchor Meadow Health Centre, Walsall Rd, Walsall Wood, Walsall WS9 9AJ
email: walsall@vaccinationuk.co.uk
phone: 01922 902 035
Wolverhampton
7 April 2026, 9.30am to 1.30pm
Children's Village Family Hub, Graiseley Ln, Wolverhampton WV11 1PE
email: wolverhampton@vaccinationuk.co.uk
phone: 01902 200 077
Walsall
18 April 2026, 9am to 1pm
South and Central Locality Hub, Birchills St, Walsall WS2 8NF
email: walsall@vaccinationuk.co.uk
phone: 01922 902 035
The clinics will be staffed by trained healthcare professionals from Vaccination UK who specialise in childhood vaccinations and follow all necessary safety protocols. Children will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Appointments are required for all clinics. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their local team via phone or email to book as soon as possible.
