Advice and Information

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.

The NHS in the Black Country has issued important guidance as temperatures climb this
week.

The Met Office, in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued an amber heat alert as temperatures are set to rise this week, with people advised to take extra care in the heatwave conditions.
Over the next few days temperatures across the Black Country are predicted to reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, with the amber alert in place from Tuesday 12 August to Wednesday 13 August.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “While many of us enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather, high temperatures can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults, young children, and people with existing health conditions. These groups are less able to regulate body temperature and are more vulnerable tooverheating, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke.

“It’s also important we look out for one another. Check in on elderly neighbours, friends, or family members who may need extra support during periods of prolonged heat. A small act of kindness can go a long way.

“By taking these simple steps, we can help ensure that everyone stays safe, comfortable, and well during the warmer months.”

“Many of these heat-related illnesses are preventable with a few simple precautions. Try to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of cool fluids, avoid sunburn by applying sunscreen regularly, and seek shade whenever possible. If you need to go out, take water with you and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. At home, keep indoor spaces cool by closing blinds or curtains in sun-facing rooms.

If you, or others, start to feel unwell, move out of the heat immediately and drink some water to If you, or others, start to feel unwell, move out of the heat immediately and drink some water to rehydrate. If you feel dizzy, weak, or have a headache and intense thirst, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for more advice.
rehydrate. If you feel dizzy, weak, or have a headache and intense thirst, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for more advice.

People in the Black Country are being reminded to order any repeat prescriptions they may need ahead of the summer bank holiday (Monday 25 August).

GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the bank holiday weekend, making it more challenging for people to access medicines at short notice and may lead to a delay in getting your medication.

Every bank holiday, NHS 111 sees an increase in people getting in touch regarding repeat prescriptions. Waiting and using emergency or urgent services over the bank holiday puts added pressure on already busy services.

To avoid this and to ensure your health is not put at any unnecessary risk, people who take regular prescription medication are being asked to submit any repeat prescriptions that are due for renewal by Friday 14 August 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, said: “We want everyone to enjoy a safe and healthy bank holiday weekend. Running out of your usual medication can be a huge worry and have serious consequences, so it’s important to plan and order any prescriptions you may need over the long weekend.

“The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is via the NHS App or through your GP practice website. If you do not have access to GP online services, you can phone your GP practice to order prescriptions.

“Bank holiday weekends are always busy times for the NHS, so ordering and picking up a repeat prescription in advance really does help us, help you.”

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 people feel unwell over the bank holiday weekend, but it’s not life threatening, they can contact NHS 111 online at 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.

Urgent and emergency care services will also be open as normal over the long weekend. People should only call 999 or attend A&E services in the event of an emergency.

People in the Black Country are being encouraged to think carefully about which NHS service they use during the upcoming industrial action.

Resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, are planning to strike for five consecutive days, starting from 7am on Friday 25 July until 7am on Wednesday 30 July.

Health and care partners across the Black Country are working together to prepare for the industrial action and are asking local people to support by choosing the right service for their health needs.

Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 to be assessed and
directed to the right service. In life-threatening emergencies, people should call 999 or go to
A&E as normal.

Services such as pharmacies, GP practices, walk-in centres, minor injury units, and urgent treatment centres will remain open during the industrial action and can support people with a wide range of health concerns.

Patients with hospital appointments should attend as planned unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule. There is no need to call to check if your appointment is going ahead.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “During the upcoming industrial action, our priority is to continue providing safe care for those who need it. However, it’s vital that people use services wisely so that care remains available for those who need it most.

“If you need medical help or advice, please use NHS 111 online in the first instance. They will direct you to the most appropriate service, which could include your local pharmacy, GP practice, or a walk-in centre. 999 and A&E should only be used in life-threatening emergencies.”

GP practices will continue to be open as normal during the industrial action. Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments unless you are contacted and told otherwise. Dr Julian Hobbs, Medical Director at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As we prepare for the upcoming strike action, we are urging the public to use NHS services responsibly.

Please keep A&E and 999 for genuine, life-threatening emergencies so that we can prioritise care for those who need it most.

“Our top priority remains ensuring that patients in the greatest need continue to receive safe, high-quality care. Our immediate focus will be on maintaining urgent and emergency services throughout the industrial action.

“We are extremely grateful to the public for their continued support and would like to thank our dedicated NHS staff, who are working tirelessly to keep essential services running during this challenging time.”

The NHS in the Black Country is now offering the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine at selected local pharmacies, making it easier than ever for eligible groups to get protected.

RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs which spreads all year round. It often causes symptoms like a cold, such as a runny nose, cough and fever, and usually gets better by itself. However, for infants and older adults the virus can lead to more severe illness and hospitalisation.

Since last September, people aged 75 to 79 have been encouraged to come forward for a RSV vaccination via their GP practice. Pregnant women over 28 weeks are also offered the vaccine by the maternity service they are receiving antenatal care from, to help protect their babies from RSV for the first few months after they’re born.

Now, those eligible can visit a participating pharmacy in the Black Country to get the RSV vaccine as part of a phased national roll out across community pharmacies in England.

RSV vaccinations are also available at a number of pharmacies on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary.

Sarah Quinton, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “RSV can lead to serious illness, particularly in older adults and pregnant women. Vaccination is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

“We’re delighted that the RSV vaccine is now available at selected community pharmacies across the Black Country. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals, and this expansion means more people can get protected quickly and conveniently, close to home.

“Only one dose is needed for long-term protection, and I would encourage anyone eligible to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

For more information about the RSV vaccine, visit the NHS Black Country ICB website.

As the school term draws to a close, parents and carers across the Black Country are being reminded of the importance of managing their child’s asthma during the summer break.

Asthma is a common lung condition, affecting around one in every 11 children. It can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.

Although asthma affects each child differently, most cases can be well controlled with the daily use of a preventer inhaler. A reliever inhaler (usually blue) may also be needed from time to time if symptoms flare up.

The NHS has created a video with a Black Country respiratory nurse discussing the importance of keeping of top of your child’s asthma over the summer holidays.

Lisa Cummings, Queens Nurse and Asthma Practitioner in the Children and Young People’s Asthma Team for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “Each year, we see a noticeable rise in asthma attacks around September, often linked to children falling out of their usual medication routines over the summer holidays. But with a few straightforward measures, parents can support their child in staying well and making the most of the summer break.

“It’s easy to assume everything’s fine if your child seems active and symptom-free during the holidays, but it’s crucial they continue using their preventer inhaler exactly as prescribed by their GP or asthma nurse. This consistent use helps ensure they’re protected when returning to school, where asthma triggers are more likely.

“Make sure you have your child’s asthma action plan easily accessible and follow it carefully. Anyone with asthma is at risk of having an asthma attack, which usually needs urgent medical treatment. Asthma attacks can even be fatal. This is why it is crucial to ensure children and young people take their medication even when feeling well, and to take action if their asthma seems to be getting worse.

Knowing what steps to take when symptoms appear can make all the difference. Most importantly, always be prepared. Always carry an up-to-date reliever inhaler (typically blue), as asthma attacks can be serious and unpredictable.”

You can also follow #ThinkAboutAsthmaBlackCountry on social media for tips on managing your child’s asthma this summer

With hot weather forecast over the next few days, the NHS is sharing the signs and
symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke to look out for The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded its heat health alert for the West Midlands to amber, which is in effect from 12pm on Friday 11 July until 9am on Monday 14 July, replacing the earlier yellow warning issued this week.

During hot weather it can be easy to overheat. Spending too long in the sun or not staying
properly hydrated can lead to heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes, however if left
untreated it can quickly turn to heatstroke. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your core body temperature reaches 40C or higher and must be treated immediately.

Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
• a headache
• dizziness and confusion
• loss of appetite and feeling sick
• excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
• cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
• fast breathing or pulse
• a high temperature of 38C or above
• extreme thirst.

These are the same in adults and children, although children can also turn sleepy and floppy.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said:
“Heat exhaustion can affect anyone, including fit and healthy people, and be very serious if not
treated immediately. It can come on quickly, over minutes, or gradually over hours, so with high Temperate levels expected over the next few days, it is important that people know how to deal with it.

“To help prevent heat exhaustion drink plenty of cold drinks, take cool baths or showers and
wear light coloured and loose clothing. Try to stay out of the sun between 11am-3pm and avoid alcohol and exercise as this will prevent dehydration.

“If someone has heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place and get them to lie down with their feet raised slightly. Ensure they drink plenty of water and cool their skin with cold water and fan them. They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.

“Remember to keep an eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions, such like diabetes or heart problems, as they’re more at risk in the hot weather.”

If someone with heat exhaustion does not improve after 30 minutes, they may have heatstroke.

You should call 111 if they still feel unwell after drinking plenty of water, not sweating even while feeling too hot, have a high temperature of 40C of above or feel confused.

With temperatures expected to rise over the next few days, people in the Black Country are being advised to take precautions.

The Met Office, in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a yellow heat health alert, indicating that high temperatures could pose a risk to health, particularly for older adults, young children, babies, and those with long-term health conditions.

Temperatures are expected to increase over the next few days, with the yellow alert in effect from tomorrow (Friday 27 June) to Tuesday 1 July.

To stay safe and well during this period of hot weather, people are advised to:

Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)
• Plan physical activities such as exercise or dog walking for the cooler hours of the
morning or evening
• Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat if you go outside
• Stay in the shade and use sunscreen regularly
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• Check in on elderly relatives, neighbours, and anyone who may be more vulnerable
• Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and know when to seek help.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s vital that we all take sensible steps to stay cool and hydrated, especially as prolonged periods of heat can pose significant health risks. People who are older, very young, or living with medical conditions are particularly at risk, so keeping an eye on those around us is more important than ever.

“The main risks of hot weather include dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. These can also worsen symptoms for people with heart or breathing problems.

“If you or someone else starts to feel unwell, dizzy, weak, or very thirsty, move to a cooler place, rehydrate, and rest. If symptoms persist or get worse, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice.”

Parents and carers in the Black Country are being reminded to use their local community pharmacy if their child needs help with minor illnesses or ailments.

The NHS Pharmacy First service allows children to access treatment for five common conditions from
their local pharmacy, without needing a GP appointment.
The aim is to make it easier for people to get the help they need and free up millions of GP
appointments.

Through the Pharmacy First service, children can receive NHS treatment, including antibiotics where
appropriate, for five common conditions including:
• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over).

Parents can simply walk into a participating pharmacy and request a consultation for their child. If further
treatment is needed, pharmacy teams will signpost families to the most appropriate local health service.
Sukhy Somal, Head of Community Pharmacy Clinical Services, NHS Black Country Integrated Care
Board (ICB), said: “The Black Country ICB is one of the top referrers into the Pharmacy First service.
“As summer begins, we are encouraging parents and carers to think Pharmacy First if their child is
unwell, allowing them to be seen quickly and conveniently at their local pharmacy.

“The scheme enables community pharmacists, who are trained health professionals, to supply
prescription-only medicines, where clinically appropriate, to treat five health conditions for children which
would previously have required a GP appointment.”

The Pharmacy First scheme is also available for adults and covers the following seven common conditions:
• sinusitis (adults and children aged 12 years and over)
• sore throat (adults and children aged 5 years and over)
• earache (children and young adults aged 1 to 17 years)
• infected insect bite (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
impetigo (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
• shingles (adults aged 18 years and over)
• uncomplicated urinary tract infection (women aged 16 to 64 years).

The NHS has created a local social media campaign to encourage people to use this service. You can
view this on the NHS Black Country ICB social media channels.

The NHS in the Black Country has issued important guidance as temperatures climb this week.

The Met Office, in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a yellow heat alert as temperatures are set to rise this week, with people advised to take extra care in the heatwave conditions.

Over the next few days temperatures across the Black Country are predicted to reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, with the yellow alert in place from Wednesday 18 June until Sunday 22 June.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “While many of us enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather, high temperatures can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults, young children, and people with existing health conditions. These groups are less able to regulate body temperature and are more vulnerable to overheating, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke.
“Many of these heat-related illnesses are preventable with a few simple precautions. Try to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of cool fluids, avoid sunburn by applying sunscreen regularly, and seek shade whenever possible. If you need to go out, take water with you and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. At home, keep indoor spaces cool by closing blinds or curtains in sun-facing rooms.

“It’s also important we look out for one another. Check in on elderly neighbours, friends, or family members who may need extra support during periods of prolonged heat. A small act of kindness can go a long way.

“By taking these simple steps, we can help ensure that everyone stays safe, comfortable, and well during the warmer months.”

If you, or others, start to feel unwell, move out of the heat immediately and drink some water to rehydrate. If you feel dizzy, weak, or have a headache and intense thirst, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for more advice.

High blood pressure is the largest known single modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) which can lead to heart attacks, strokes and dementia. CVD causes 1 in 4 deaths in England - around one death every four minutes and is a leading cause of disability.

As the condition usually has no symptoms, it is estimated that 4.2 million people in England have undiagnosed high blood pressure. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a blood pressure test, which is a free, simple, non-invasive procedure.

If you're aged 40 and over, you can get a free blood pressure check at your local participating pharmacy, without needing to book in advance.

Dry skin can occur at any time of the year, but it can become more common as the weather becomes colder. It can appear at any age and, while it usually doesn’t present any serious problems, it can be associated with other medical conditions such as eczema, contact dermatitis and psoriasis.

The skin is made up of many different layers and it forms a natural barrier to protect our body from the outside environment. To help protect the outer layer of the skin from losing water, the skin produces an oily substance called sebum. If the skin does not have enough sebum, it loses water which causes dry skin.

Common causes of dry skin include:
 Excessive bathing
 Showering, scrubbing the skin while washing, or harsh soaps that dissolve the protective layer of sebum
 Environmental conditions that increase water loss, such as very hot, dry weather or central heating
 Frequent exposure to wind and sun can evaporate water from the skin, making the surface feel itchy and dry.
 Decreased production of sebum, which is often a factor in the elderly.

To help reduce symptoms, emollients can be used to moisture the skin. Emollients are moisturising treatments that are applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it. There are various types of emollients that can be bought over the counter at your local pharmacy to help reduce dryness, relieve itching and soften cracks.

Your local pharmacy should always be your first choice for help with dry skin. Pharmacists are highly trained experts in medicines, and they can offer you advice and treatments without you needing to see a GP.