The NHS is here to help you over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

This winter, choose the right service for your healthcare needs. If you are unsure about where to go, please visit NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 and you will be directed to the most appropriate service for your need.

If you need to visit a pharmacy, you can find bank holiday opening hours for pharmacies in Birmingham and Solihull here.

  • Choose self-care for minor illness and injuries.
  • Choose COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to help protect you and your loved ones.
  • Choose your local pharmacy for minor health concerns, such as sore throats, tummy trouble, and aches and pains.
  • Choose our 24/7 helpline, 0121 262 3555, if you need to speak to someone about your mental health.
  • Choose 111 for urgent health concerns or when you're unsure what to do.
  • Choose 999 for medical or mental health emergencies. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Order your repeat prescription early

With the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching, it's important that you order and collect your prescriptions ahead of time to avoid running out of medication, as GP practices and local pharmacies will have different openings hours.

 

Your local pharmacy

Your local pharmacist is an expert in medicine. They can offer advice, recommend over-the-counter medicines which you can buy without a prescription, and help you with a range of minor health concerns, including sore throats, tummy trouble, and aches and pains.

You can learn more about how your pharmacist can help you here and you can find your nearest pharmacy here.

Your local pharmacy may have different opening hours over the Christmas and New Year holidays. You can find bank holiday opening hours for pharmacies in Birmingham and Solihull here.

Mental health

If you're feeling stressed, anxious, sad or just a little down, it can help to talk to someone.

Mental health support is available 24/7 via our helpline. Call 0121 262 3555 and you can speak to someone any time of day or night.

If you’re reluctant to speak on the phone, we also offer a live chat option, which is available at Birmingham Mind between 10am to 9pm every day

COVID-19 and flu vaccinations

The flu and COVID-19 vaccines offer the best protection against these dangerous viruses.

If you’re eligible, top up your immunity with a free COVID-19 and flu vaccine ahead of Christmas. Visit the vaccination website for Birmingham and Solihull to learn more.

NHS 111

If you need support from the NHS over the Christmas and New Year holidays, you can visit 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111. The 111 service can tell you where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do, how to find general health information and advice, or where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine.