Dr Helen Hibbs, Chief Officer for Wolverhampton City Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The weather is particularly bad at this time and residents need to bear in mind that black ice on pavements or roads might not be clearly visible but is very slippy. I would urge all residents to take extra care and if possible try and avoid going out if you don’t have to. If you are unfortunate and do fall over contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice. Finally I would also ask the wider community to keep an eye out for elderly family, friends and neighbours during periods of extreme weather.”

In order to lessen the chance of a fall residents are advised to put grit or cat litter on paths and driveways and to wait until the roads have been gritted if travelling by car.

The clinics offer advice, various methods of contraception, and also emergency contraception to young people. The following pharmacies will also be able to offer free emergency contraception (the morning after pill) over the festive period between 12noon and 3pm on the following days:

• Christmas Day – Tuesday 25 December 2012
Murray CG & Son – 221 St Marks Road, Tipton, DY4 0SZ Tel: 0121-520 3015
Michaels Chemist – 262 High Street, Smethwick, B66 3NL, Tel: 0121-565 0093

• Boxing Day – Wednesday 26 December 2012
K Pharmacy – 90 Lewisham Road, Smethwick, B66 2DD Tel: 0121-555 6123
Murray CG & Son – 232 Halesowen Road, Cradley Heath, B64 6HN Tel: (01384) 635407.

Vikki Tolley, Oral Health Coordinator for NHS Walsall, “With Christmas just around the corner everyone is ready and geared up for the festivities to get underway. Constant snacking, drinking and eating sugary foods and drinks can make the holiday period a miserable time for teeth. NHS Walsall just want to remind people to think about their teeth and continue to look after them like you would do all year round. However if you do find your teeth are causing you pain or swelling then there are services available to help you.”

For help and advice or to book an appointment during a weekend or bank holiday contact the Dental Access Centre on 07976 246 404.

The standard NHS urgent fee of £17.50 applies unless you are entitled to free NHS dental treatment.

Walsall NHS

Choose Well Walsall
Feeling Unwell Walsall
Walsall NHS over Christmas
Walsall Pharmacy Opening Times

Dudley NHS

Choose Well Dudley
Feeling Unwell Dudley
Dudley NHS over Christmas
Dudley Pharmacy Opening Times

Wolverhampton City NHS

Choose Well Wolverhampton
Feeling Unwell Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton NHS over Christmas
Wolverhampton Pharmacy Opening Times

Sandwell NHS

Choose Well Sandwell
Feeling Unwell Sandwell
Sandwell NHS over Christmas
Sandwell Pharmacy Opening Times

Communications Team

The over 65s and those with long-term health conditions should protect themselves by having the flu jab

Sandwell Primary Care Trust (PCT) is urging older people and those of any age with a long-term health condition who have still not had their annual flu jab, to do so as soon as possible.

Sandwell Primary Care Trust Director of Public Health, John Middleton, said: “If you are over 65, or suffer from a condition such as a heart problem, diabetes, or chronic chest illness, it is vital to call your GP now to book a free flu jab, to protect you at the time of year when you are most vulnerable.

“Flu is not just a bad cold. It can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or can make existing conditions worse. In the worst cases, flu can result in a stay in hospital, and it can even be a killer.”

People aged 65 or over, and those of any age with a long-term health condition, can get a free flu jab on the NHS at their GP surgery. This will give them the best possible protection against the virus. Those who care for older people or for those with a health condition are also advised to get vaccinated to protect not only themselves but the person they care for, who may be particularly vulnerable.

Pregnant women should also get the flu jab, to protect themselves and their unborn child. Pregnant women are at increased risk of serious illness if they catch flu. In fact, studies have shown that pregnant women with some strains of flu are four times more likely to develop serious illness, and four to five times more likely to be admitted to hospital than the general population. All pregnant women are eligible to have a free flu jab at their GP surgery, and they should also ask their GP for the pertussis, or whooping cough, vaccination after the 28th week of pregnancy.

Dr Middleton said: “People with health conditions are used to managing their health and taking precautions, but many do not understand the risk flu poses to them. Flu can knock even the healthiest people off their feet for a couple of weeks, but getting flu when you already have a health condition can lead to serious complications and, in some cases, can be fatal.

“At the same time, many older people succumb to flu every year. Not only are people over the age of 65 less able to fight off the potential complications of flu, but many also suffer from health conditions that make them all the more vulnerable.

“And when it comes to pregnant women, they have more than just themselves to think about. If they catch flu, their unborn baby is also at risk. Research shows that the jab is safe for mother and baby and can be given at any stage of pregnancy.

“No-one in any of these groups within our community should underestimate flu – they should make an appointment with their GP surgery to get their jab now to protect themselves all winter long. The flu jab is completely safe and doesn’t carry the live flu virus so it can’t give you flu.”

Rajiv Lakhani Dental Commissioning Manager for Wolverhampton City PCT, said: “As from the 5th November anyone who needs Urgent Dental care and can’t get an appointment with their usual dentist or another local dentist can contact one of two Dental Access Practices (DAPs). As well as providing day to day dental services the DAPs have appointments allocated specifically for residents needing to been seen urgently. We want to make sure that residents in Wolverhampton know what to do and where to go if they have a sudden problem with their teeth so they get the most appropriate treatment in the quickest time which is crucial if they are in pain.”

To make sure you get the right treatment at the right time residents are advised to:

• First try calling your usual dentist for an appointment. If you explain that it’s urgent they may be able to fit you in quickly.

• If they can’t offer you an appointment and you are not able to make an appointment with any other local dentist you can call one of our Dental Access Practices:

Wednesfield Dental Surgery
74 Lichfield Road
Wednesfield
WV11 1TP

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm / Saturday 9.00am to 3.00pm

Tel: 01902 731734

Blue Cross Dental Practice
96 Church Street
Bilston
WV14 0AX

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm/ Saturday 9.00am to 3.00pm

Tel: 01902 408216

From Monday 5th November patients will no longer be able to use Phoenix or Bilston Health Centre for urgent dental treatment.