With the Christmas holidays approaching, the local pharmacy opening times listed below might come in handy.

As said by Dr Kiran Patel, medical director for NHS England (West Midlands):

“A lot of people don’t realise how useful their pharmacy can be and they can help you with more than you might think. Pharmacists offer expert, confidential advice and treatment for many minor health problems, particularly winter illnesses such as sore throats and runny noses.

“As most GP surgeries will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day we would also encourage patients to order any medication they need in plenty of time so they have a good supply during the festive period.”

Pharmacy opening hours in Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country can be found on the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk) along with information on walk-in centres, urgent care centres or minor injuries units. Patients can type in their postcode on the w ebsite to find their nearest services.

Pharmacy opening hours over the Christmas holidays are as follows*:

Birmingham

Dudley

Sandwell

Solihull

Walsall

Wolverhampton

* Pharmacies which normally open on a Sunday will be open as usual on Sunday 1^st January 2017

*times and dates correct at time of writing. To find your nearest pharmacy, visit www.nhs.uk

Patients that live in Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and some parts of Birmingham might find that the ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme is available to help tackle common ailments, to ensure that illness is nipped in the bud in order to prevent a trip to see the GP over the busy winter months.

‘Pharmacy First’ is available for children and adults who need medication for a number of common ailments². All you need to do is give the pharmacist your NHS number or your child’s NHS number to receive advice and, where appropriate, medicines free of charge. It means that those eligible don’t have to pay for certain over-the-counter medicines and instead, patients can see a qualified health professional at a pharmacy rather than make a GP appointment.

If you do not know your NHS number you can contact your GP practice and ask them to look it up for you. It’s important to note that the pharmacist may ask you to show them a passport, driving licence or some other proof of who you are.

For more information speak to your local pharmacist