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.
Residents in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull are being reminded to order their repeat prescriptions ahead of Christmas and New Year closures.
NHS 111 sees an increase in people getting in touch about repeat prescriptions over bank holiday periods, which can put additional pressure on already busy services. Residents should plan ahead if they have regular medicines on repeat prescription by checking that they have enough to last them over the festive period, and by ordering their repeat prescriptions by 10 December if they are due for renewal.
This will help ensure that health is not put at unnecessary risk, delays are minimised, and enough time is given for requests to be processed and dispensed.
Most repeat prescription requests can be made online, via local practice websites or through the NHS App. Residents without internet access can approach their GP practice.
Sukhy Somal, ICS Head of Community Pharmacy Clinical Services for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “As GP practices and pharmacies will have different opening hours over the festive period, it’s important that people are prepared and get their repeat prescription orders in early. Not only will this reduce their risk of running out and becoming unwell, but it will also mean that festivities can be enjoyed without the stress of trying to get hold of medicines at a more challenging and busy time.
“Repeat prescriptions can be requested quickly and easily at home through the NHS App, and users can even change their chosen pharmacy to ensure that their prescription gets sent to the most convenient location for them.”
Shalina Anwar, ICS Community Pharmacy Clinical Lead for NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “As well as following repeat prescription advice, it’s also important that people remember to utilise pharmacy services to stay well this winter. Pharmacists are healthcare professionals that can provide help, advice and treatment, if appropriate, for seven common illnesses through the Pharmacy First scheme, without the need for an appointment. They can also advise residents on the best treatments they should have in their home medicine cabinets for common winter illnesses, so they are well stocked and ready for the colder months ahead.”
Some local pharmacies can have different opening times over the festive period, and residents can check which pharmacies will be available via the NHS England website.
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.
Eligible people living in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull are being invited to come forward for a flu and COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccination programmes started on 1 September, when flu vaccines became available for young children (aged 2 and 3), pregnant women, school-aged children.
From 1 October, the COVID-19 and flu vaccination programme will extend to adults aged 65 and 0ver, people in clinical risk groups, carers, frontline health and social care staff, and those living in care homes.
Local health leaders are working to increase uptake following a national decline in vaccination rates. Both ICBs are working closely with GPs, community pharmacies, schools, local authorities, and voluntary organisations to make vaccinations as accessible as possible. Where possible, people will be offered both vaccines at the same time for convenience and maximum protection ahead of winter.
Helen Kelly, Chief Nurse for Birmingham and Solihull ICB, said: “Vaccines remain our best protection against flu, COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses. We know uptake has fallen in recent years, but this makes it even more important that those eligible take up the offer this autumn. By getting vaccinated in September or October, you’ll be protecting yourself and those around you through the winter months.”
Dr Sally Roberts, Chief Nurse for the Black Country ICB, added: “Flu and COVID-19 are still serious illnesses that can lead to hospitalisation, especially for older people, those with long-term conditions, and pregnant women. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get protected, whether that’s at their GP, a pharmacy, a school clinic, or a specially arranged community session.”
Alongside flu and COVID, eligible patients can also get their Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination at their local GP practice or at participating pharmacies, across Birmingham and the Black Country. This immunisation is available for those aged 75 to 79 or pregnant women over 28 weeks.
Pneumococcal vaccines are also available for anyone aged 65 and over via GP practices.
Those eligible for COVID and flu immunisations are able to book an appointment via the National
Booking System. Appointments are also be available on the NHS App or by calling 119. 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.
Both ICBs are encouraging local people to take up their invite as soon as they receive it.
Ahead of the summer bank holiday (Monday 25 August), people in the Black Country are being reminded how to access NHS health services.
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, nonurgent 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.
Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “We know that sometimes people can feel unsure about where to go for help if they become unwell over a bank holiday weekend.
“A number of pharmacies will remain open over the bank holiday weekend and should be your first port of call for any minor health concerns. Pharmacists are able to offer clinical advice and can now supply medicines for a number of conditions, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
“If you need urgent medical help over the long weekend, contact NHS 111 in the first instance and they will direct you to the most appropriate service for advice or treatment.
“While we hope that everyone enjoys the long weekend, if you’re feeling unwell it’s vital that you seek appropriate help. The NHS continues to be here for you so please don’t hesitate to come forward.”
A&E departments and 999 are there to treat the most serious and life-threatening conditions. If you are feeling unwell and it is not an emergency, contact NHS 111.
