Think Which Service This Winter

Posted by: K S - Posted on:

Do you know which service you should use to get the right support and quickest medical help? As temperatures drop and nights draw in, it is important to remember that winter conditions can seriously affect your health. The NHS is here for you and our local health and care professionals are ready and waiting to help you this winter. All you need to know is which service best suits your needs:

Think pharmacist for the right advice and medication for your condition

You can speak to your local pharmacist in confidence, without the need for an appointment, about: 

  • Coughs, colds and the flu 
  • Aches, pains and minor injuries 
  • Dry skin and skin allergies 
  • Ear and eye care, such as dry eyes 
  • Stomach aches, constipation or diarrhoea 
  • Oral contraception 
  • Urinary tract infections (UTI) 
  • Help with medication and repeat prescriptions 
  • Advice on healthy living – how to eat better, lose weight and stop smoking  
  • Advice on vitamins and minerals 
  • Pain relief (paracetamol and ibuprofen). 

Think NHS 111 online if you’re not sure what to do 

If you need urgent medical help, advice or if you are not sure what to do, ring 111 or visit NHS 111 online. 

Ring 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk: 

  • If you or someone you’re with has a medical problem or issue that isn’t life-threatening, but you need advice on where to go 
  • If you think you may require an emergency face-to-face appointment with a relevant healthcare professional 
  • If you need help with getting a repeat prescription or an emergency supply 
  • If you require emergency dental or mental health assistance.  

Fully trained advisors are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for fast and simple access to a range of health advice. 

If you call NHS 111, interpreters are available in your language. 

Worried about your child’s rash, cough, sickness, injury or mental wellbeing? Visit the new Black Country 0-18 years website dedicated to health advice for children developed by local health professionals. Visit the website at blackcountry0-18.nhs.uk.  

Think which service is right for you 

  • For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacy or visit www.nhs.uk for advice 
  • If you need urgent medical help but it’s not an emergency, contact NHS 111 online or by dialling 111 for clinical advice, assessment and signposting to the right service 
  • Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies. 

Help us help you this winter 

  • Find a local flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you at blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk  
  • Follow good hand hygiene 
  • Attend your GP appointments and let your practice know if you need to cancel 
  • Get advice early from your local pharmacist if you feel unwell 
  • Keep yourself and your home warm – heat your home to 18°C if you can, and if you need any support or guidance visit gov.uk and search ‘help with heating’ 
  • Check and stock your medicine cabinet 
  • Get your repeat prescriptions before your GP practice and pharmacy close for the festive period 
  • Look after your mental health – keep active, talk to family or friends and access support if you need it 
  • Look out for others – check in on vulnerable neighbours, friends and family. 

Think which service is right for you 

Visit the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) website for more information and resources or if you require this information in a different language or format. 

Visit Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) for more information and resources or if you require this information in a different language or format