If you're unwell this winter, it is important that you choose the right service for you.
Over 3,500 local GP appointments will be taken up this winter by patients with avoidable respiratory illnesses.
Learn how you can protect yourself this winter, and how to decide which service is appropriate for your needs.
COVID and flu vaccines will be offered to residents of Birmingham and Solihull this year who are at increased risk from these diseases. To protect yourself, others, and the NHS, make sure that you get your vaccine. Learn more here.
Our mobile vaccination van will be travelling to different areas across Birmingham and Solihull to give those eligible their COVID-19 vaccine. You can view a list of upcoming locations here.
Most cases of respiratory illness in children aren't serious and clear up within 2-3 weeks, but the symptoms can be worrying. Learn when you should seek help here.
If you're aged 75 to 79, speak to your GP surgery about getting vaccinated against RSV.
If you're 28 weeks pregnant or more, you can speak to your maternity service or GP surgery about getting vaccinated.
Your local pharmacist is an expert in medicine. They can offer clinical advice and help you with a range of minor health concerns, including sore throats, tummy trouble, and aches and pains. Find out more here.
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 at home, such as paracetamol and antihistamine, plus a first-aid kit. Learn more here.
Need to order a repeat prescription? The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services, including ordering repeat prescriptions, and managing GP and hospital appointments. Learn more here.
People seeking help with dental problems should contact their dental practice as normal for appointments and advice.
For out of hours advice, please contact NHS 111. NHS111 will refer patients to the urgent care providers who will then clinically triage and book appointments as necessary. Services will be available 9am to 1pm.
Most practices are also offering telephone or video-link consultations and can prescribe pain killers and antibiotics if needed. You can read the Access to NHS Dentistry - patient leaflet.
Urgent and emergency care
Phone
If you need urgent medical help but it's not an emergency, contact 111 first, and they will be able to advise on the service you need or book you into A&E. Call 111 or go 111.nhs.uk
Online
There’s an easier way to get urgent care. Instead of going to A&E, get help via your smartphone, tablet or computer at NHS 111 online: You’ll get the advice you need and an A&E timeslot will be booked for you if you need to be seen straight away.
To access urgent care or urgent treatment centres, you will need to call NHS 111 or visit NHS 111 online first to speak to a professional who, if appropriate, can make an appointment for you.
Erdington Urgent Treatment Centre
Stockland Green Primary Care Centre, 192 Reservoir Road, Erdington, Birmingham B23 6DJ
Solihull Urgent Treatment Centre
Lode Lane, Solihull, B91 2JL
South Birmingham GP Urgent Treatment Centre
15 Katie Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6JG
Summerfield Urgent Care Centre
First floor, 134 Heath Street, Winson Green, Birmingham, B18 7AL
Warren Farm Urgent Care Centre
Warren Farm Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham, B44 0PU
Washwood Heath Urgent Care Centre
Clodeshall Road, Washwood Heath, Birmingham, B8 3SN
You should only attend A&E for life threatening situations (e.g. loss of consciousness, persistent chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or severe allergic reactions).
A&E departments are available here:
- Good Hope Hospital
- Heartlands Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital (no Children's A&E available)
- Birmingham Children's Hospital (children's A&E only).
Always call 999 in an emergency or visit your nearest A&E.