Five-step healthcare check to stay well in Solihull over Jubilee bank holiday weekend

With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend approaching, health professionals in Birmingham and Solihull are asking the public to plan ahead with a ‘five-step check’ to stay well.

Between Thursday 2 June and Sunday 5 June, GP practices and some pharmacies will either be closed or operating reduced hours, however a range of healthcare options remain available.

Dr Richard Mendelsohn, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Over the extended bank holiday weekend, people will be busy celebrating the Queen’s 70 years of service, and we know they would rather be enjoying barbecues, street parties and spending time with family and friends, instead of worrying about their medication or where they can get medical care and advice.

“We have compiled a simple five-step check to help our patients plan ahead and stay well over the bank holiday weekend.

“If your prescription is going to run out soon, please think ahead and contact your GP practice, pharmacy or use the NHS App now, and know that the right medical care for you will be available.”

NHS Birmingham and Solihull CCG recommends:

• Order and collect prescriptions: If you have a repeat prescription, make sure you have enough medication to last the long weekend. If you are in short supply, there is still time to speak to your GP practice or pharmacy and order your prescription and avoid any last-minute panics. Patients are also advised to use the NHS App.

• Prepare for self-care: You can look after many minor illnesses and injuries with over-the-counter medicines and supplies from your pharmacist or supermarket. Check that you have basics such as paracetamol and antihistamine at home, plus a first-aid kit. A helpful guide to what you should have at home is available on the NHS website.

• Know where your nearest pharmacy is: Pharmacists will be available over the bank holiday weekend, providing advice and over-the-counter medication for minor health concerns. A list of pharmacy bank holiday opening times is available here.

• Contact NHS 111 for urgent care: If you need urgent medical help, call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. The friendly team at 111 are available 24 hours a day, including bank holidays, and they will help you right away, providing you with the right care and advice for your need, including booking you an appointment with an out-of-hours GP. You can learn more about 111 and when to use it here.

• Emergency services are for emergencies only: For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 or go to A&E. But, remember that if you arrive with a non-emergency condition, you are likely to be directed to a more appropriate service.