NHS urges people to choose the right service as Coventry and Warwickshire prepares for a busy weekend

The NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire is encouraging people to use the right health and care services for their needs this weekend, with large-scale events such as the Godiva Festival expected to draw thousands of people to the area.

From Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July, War Memorial Park in Coventry will host the city’s annual Godiva Festival, with a packed programme of music, food, and family fun.

With so many people expected to be out and about, local health and care services are reminding people to think ahead and make use of NHS 111 and local pharmacies for non-emergency healthcare.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week - online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111, and should be the first port of call if you need urgent medical advice but it’s not an emergency.

The service can:

• Help you find the right care quickly
• Connect you with a clinician, such as a nurse or GP
• Book you an appointment if needed, including at out-of-hours services
• Direct you to your nearest pharmacy, GP, or Urgent Treatment Centre

By planning ahead and knowing how to access NHS 111, you can avoid long waits in Emergency Departments and help keep emergency services free for people who need them most.

Pharmacists are here to help

Local pharmacies are open throughout the weekend and are a convenient option for a wide range of minor health concerns including coughs, colds, insect bites, rashes, sore throats, and stomach upsets.

Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer expert advice, reassurance, and treatment. Many have private consultation rooms, and you don’t need an appointment.

Choose the Urgent Treatment Centre for minor injuries and illnesses

The Coventry Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), located on the first floor inside the City of Coventry NHS Healthcare Centre, provides urgent care services to patients daily from 8am until 10pm.

Patients of all ages with minor injuries and illnesses can attend the UTC to gain access to Urgent Care Practitioners, GPs or nurses, who will undertake an assessment, provide advice and give treatment where needed.

Injuries and illnesses that can be treated include small wounds, vomiting and diarrhea including stomach aches, animal bites/stings, minor burns and strains, skin conditions, ear and throat infections, hay fever, wound dressing care and the removal of stitches. For further information about the UTC, click here.

A&E is for life-threatening emergencies

The NHS is always here for you if you need emergency care - such as for chest pain, breathing difficulties, signs of stroke, serious injuries, or if someone is unconscious. In these cases, you should always call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department.

But for everything else, using the right service, whether that’s NHS 111, a pharmacist, or your GP, means you’ll be seen more quickly, and helps to keep hospitals and ambulance services available for those in urgent need.

Plan ahead and stay well

With good weather expected and lots of people out enjoying the weekend, the NHS is encouraging people to:

• Make sure they have enough of their usual medication at home
• Know where their nearest pharmacy is
• Use NHS 111 if they need urgent care or advice

Thinking ahead now means less stress later, whether you're at home or out enjoying the weekend.

By choosing the right service, you can get the right care faster and help protect local NHS services for everyone.