Useful Health Numbers & Links

Birmingham Heartlands Hospital0121 424 2000
Solihull Hospital0121 424 2000
Appointments Line0121 424 1234
PharmaciesBoots – 742 8325
Hingleys – 743 3364 
Dovehouse Pharmacy – 0121 706 1390
Morrisons – 0121 708 0266
Olton Pharmacy – 706 0775
Age Concern0121 236 1464
Alcoholics Anonymous (SIAS)0121 301 4141
Bereavement Counselling0121 424 5103
Blood Donors0121 414 1155
Citizens’ Advice Bureau0121 705 2211
Community Health Council0121 685 4700
Dept Social Security0121 722 7000
Emergency Contraception & Sexual Health Services0121 237 5700
Pohwer (Complaints line)0300 456 2370
Rape Crisis Centre0808 802 9999
Registrar Births Deaths0121 704 6095
Relate (Marriage Guidance)0121 643 1638
Solihull Social Services0121 704 6748
Samaritans116 123 Freephone number
Safeguarding Adults0121 704 8007
Safeguarding Children0121 605 6060
Sexual Health Advice + Clinics0121 237 5700

Useful Links

The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.

Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

Accessible Information Help – try these websites for easy read information on a range of health topics
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/resources-and-publications/other-formats/easy-read.html

https://www.mencap.org.uk
 

Solihull Carers Centre provides support for carers aged 5 and above – contact them on 0121 788 1143, or visit www.solihullcarers.org

Arthritis

Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest national nonprofit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.
NHS Choices
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation within a joint. In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis. The condition affects people of all ages including children.

Asthma

Asthma UK
We’re the UK’s leading asthma charity. There are over five million people with asthma in the UK, and we’re here for them when they need us most. We want to live in a world where asthma is no longer a daily battle for some and where no one dies from the condition. We’re working to make this happen through world-leading research, award-winning information and services, and life-changing campaigns.
NHS Choices
Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause a cough, wheezing, and breathlessness. The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be controlled well in most people most of the time.
Wikipedia
Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Back Pain

Bupa
Back pain commonly affects your lower back. It can be a short-term problem, lasting a few days or weeks, or continue for many months or even years. Most people will have some form of back pain at some stage in their lifetime.
NHS Choices
Back pain is a common problem that affects most people at some point in their life. It usually feels like an ache, tension or stiffness in your back.
Patient.co.uk
About 8 in 10 people have one or more bouts of low back pain. In most cases, it is not due to a serious disease or serious back problem, and the exact cause of the pain is not clear. This is called nonspecific lower back pain. The usual advice is to keep active, and do normal activities as much as possible. Painkillers can help until the pain eases. In most cases, the pain disappears within six weeks but may come back (recur) from time to time. Chronic (persistent) pain develops in some cases and further treatment may then be needed.

Birth Control

12 Types of Birth Control – Health.com
birth control, IUD, STD, Ortho-Novum, Ortho Evra, NuvaRing, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Yasmin, Ovrette, Seasonale, Seasonique, Milex Wide Seal, Ortho All-Flex, …
Birth control – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Birth control, also known as contraception and fertility control, are methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. Planning, provision and use of birth control is …
Birth Control Center – WebMD
There are a number of different methods of birth control that include barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization.
Birth control methods fact sheet – Womenshealth.gov
There is no “best” method of birth control. Each method has its pros and cons. All women and men can have control over when, and if, they become parents.
Birth Control Options – Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood has been providing trusted health care for nearly 100 years. Learn about birth control.
Contraception guide – NHS Choices
Find out about the 15 methods of contraception (to prevent pregnancy) available on the NHS, plus where to get them and how to decide which method suits you.

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Care
Breast Cancer Care is here for anyone affected by breast cancer. We bring people together, provide information and support, and campaign for improved standards of care.
NHS Choices
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. About 48,000 women get breast cancer in Britain each year. Most (8 out of 10) are over 50, but younger women, and in rare cases, men, can also get breast cancer.

Cancer

Breast Cancer Care | the breast cancer support charity
Breast Cancer Care provides information and support for everyone affected by breast cancer. Find information, get support on our forums, donate and much…
Cancer – NHS Choices
Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body begin to reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding…
Cancer – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The causes of cancer are diverse, complex, and only partially understood. Many things are known to increase the risk of cancer, including tobacco use, dietary…
Cancer Research UK – One day we will beat cancer
Some information about cancer. A UK Charity primarily concerned with raising money to fund research.
Cancer types A-Z – Cancer Information – Macmillan Cancer Support
Find out more about Macmillan Cancer Support and stay up-to-date with Macmillan’s cancer care services, cancer campaigning and cancer charity fundraising…
Prostate Cancer UK
Prostate Cancer UK specialist nurses, award-winning information, campaigns and research. We fight to help men survive and have a better quality of life.
Teenage Cancer Trust
Mission is to raise funds, educate, and support teenagers fighting cancer. Provides information about health facts, challenges, conferences, events, news, shop…

Chicken Pox

Boots – Parenting advice – Pre School
What are the symptoms of chickenpox? See a picture of a chickenpox rash. How is it treated and how can you prevent it? Learn more.
Chickenpox – NHS Choices
Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point.
Chickenpox – Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Chickenpox (or chicken pox) is a highly contagious disease caused by primary infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). It usually starts with vesicular skin rash …
Patient.co.uk – Chickenpox in Children under 12
Chickenpox causes a rash and can make a child feel generally unwell. Treatment aims to ease symptoms until the illness goes. Full recovery is usual in children. Serious complications are rare but are more likely to occur in children with a poor immune system, such as those on chemotherapy.

Common Cold

Cold, Common – NHS Choices
A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It can cause nasal stuffiness, a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and a cough.
Common cold – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The common cold (also known as nasopharyngitis, rhinopharyngitis, acute coryza, head cold, or simply a cold) is a viral infectious disease of the upper …

Cystitis

Cystitis – NetDoctor.co.uk
The term cystitis actually means an inflammation of the bladder although it’s usually understood to mean an infection of the urine affecting the…
Cystitis – NHS Choices
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bladder infection.
Cystitis – treatment, antibiotics, causes and symptoms | Patient.co.uk
A urine infection in the bladder (cystitis) is common in women. A short course of medicines called antibiotics is the usual treatment. Occasionally it may improve…

Diabetes

Diabetes – NHS Choices
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
Diabetes UK – Care. Connect. Campaign. | Diabetes UK
Self help charity for diabetics. Information. Diet advice. Teenzone.
Diabetes UK, UK Diabetes Resource, Diabetes Symptoms, Diabetes …
Diabetes.co.uk is your resource for diabetes, diabetics, diabetes research and education; the leading community website and forum for people with diabetes.
Diabetes, type 2 – NHS Choices
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
Type 2 Diabetes | Health | Patient.co.uk
Type 2 diabetes occurs mainly in people aged over 40. The first-line treatment is diet, weight control and physical activity. If the blood sugar (glucose) level remains high despite these measures then tablets to reduce the blood glucose level are usually advised. Insulin injections are needed in some cases. Other treatments include reducing blood pressure if it is high, lowering high cholesterol levels and also other measures to reduce the risk of complications.

Diarrhoea

Acute Diarrhoea in Adults. Loose Stools Treatment | Patient.co.uk
Diarrhoea can be acute (sudden onset and lasts less than four weeks) or chronic (persistent). This leaflet deals with acute diarrhoea, which is common. In most cases, diarrhoea eases and goes within several days, but sometimes takes longer. The main risk is dehydration. The main treatment is to have lots to drink which aims to avoid dehydration. You should also eat as normally as possible. See a doctor if you suspect that you are dehydrating, or if you have any worrying symptoms such as those which are listed below…
Diarrhoea – NetDoctor.co.uk
Diarrhoea (spelled as diarrhoea in the US) is the passing of increased amounts (more than 300g in 24 hours) of loose stools. It is often caused by a virus or bacteria and can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term) – lasting more than two to three weeks. Most people are affected by diarrhoea at some time in their lives. It is often accompanied by stomach pains, feeling sick and vomiting…
Diarrhoea – NHS Choices
Diarrhoea is the passing of watery stools more than is normal for you. It is often a symptom of an infection or long-term condition. In this video, Dr Rupal Shah…

Eczema

Atopic eczema – NHS Choices
Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common form of eczema. It mainly affects children, but can continue into adulthood.
National Eczema Society
Free information for eczema and dermatitis sufferers.
What is eczema? Eczema causes and treatment. | Patient.co.uk
Atopic eczema is an inflammation of the skin, which tends to flare-up from time to time. It usually starts in early childhood. The severity can range from mild to…

Flu

CDC – Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
Flu activity is widespread in most of the country. High flu activity is likely to continue for several weeks. If you have not gotten your flu vaccine yet this season, you should get one now. And remember that flu antiviral drugs are a second line of defense to treat flu illness. People at high risk of serious flu illness should call a health care provider if they get flu symptoms.
Flu season – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Flu season is an annually recurring time period characterized by the prevalence of outbreaks of influenza (flu). The season occurs during the cold half of the year in each hemisphere. Influenza activity can sometimes be predicted and even tracked geographically. While the beginning of major flu activity in each season varies by location, in any specific location these minor epidemics usually take about 3 weeks to peak and another 3 weeks to significantly diminish. The 2013 flu season has been particularly harsh in the United States, where the majority of states were reporting high rates of influenza-like illness. The Centers for Disease Control reported that the available flu vaccine was 60% effective. It further recommended that all persons over age 6 months get the vaccine…
Flu vaccine for adults – Vaccinations – NHS Choices
Flu vaccination by injection, commonly known as the “flu jab” is available every year on the NHS to protect adults (and some children) at risk of flu and its complications. Flu can be unpleasant, but if you are otherwise healthy it will usually clear up on its own within a week. However, flu can be more severe in certain people such as: …
HPA – Seasonal Influenza
Influenza or ‘flu’ is a respiratory illness associated with infection by influenza virus. Symptoms frequently include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints. Influenza occurs most often in winter and usually peaks between December and March in the northern hemisphere. Illnesses resembling influenza that occur in the summer are usually due to other viruses….
Seasonal flu – NHS Choices
Flu is a highly infectious and very common viral illness that is spread by coughs and sneezes.

Glandular Fever

Glandular Fever (Infectious Mononucleosis … – Patient.co.uk
Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Although it can make you feel quite ill, full recovery is usual. It is a self-limiting illness which means it usually goes away by itself. What is glandular fever? Glandular fever is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus can be passed from person to person by close contact (especially kissing). It can possibly also be caught by sharing cups, toothbrushes, etc. It can take up to six weeks for the symptoms to develop after a person has first been infected with this virus. This is called the incubation period. Who gets glandular fever? Glandular fever can affect people of any age but is most common in young adults and teenagers. The immune system makes antibodies during the infection. This then usually provides lifelong immunity. This means that it is rare to have more than one episode of glandular fever…
Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) – NetDoctor.co.uk
What is glandular fever? Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as glandular fever, is a viral infection that’s caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The disease is characterised by a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (usually in the neck) and extreme fatigue. Young people aged between 10 and 25 years are most vulnerable to this infection. The treatment is to ease the symptoms, and the illness usually passes without serious problems.
Glandular fever – NHS Choices
Glandular fever is a type of viral infection that mostly affects young adults. Common symptoms of glandular fever include: – a high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or above – sore throat – swollen nodes (glands) in the neck – fatigue (extreme tiredness) Read more about the symptoms of glandular fever. Glandular fever is not usually a serious threat to a person’s health, but can be unpleasant and last several weeks.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infectious_mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis (IM; also known as mono, glandular fever, Pfeiffer’s disease, Filatov’s disease, and sometimes colloquially as the kissing disease from its oral transmission) is an infectious, widespread viral disease caused by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), one type of herpes virus, against which over 90% of adults are likely to have acquired immunity by the age of 40. Occasionally, the symptoms can recur at a later period. Most people are exposed to the virus as children, when the disease produces no noticeable or only flu-like symptoms. In developing countries, people are exposed to the virus in early childhood more often than in developed countries. As a result, the disease in its observable form is more common in developed countries. It is most common among adolescents and young adults.

Impetigo

Impetigo – NetDoctor.co.uk
What is impetigo? Impetigo is a common, highly infectious skin disease caused by staphylococcus bacteria or more rarely by the streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Is impetigo dangerous? It isn’t dangerous but it’s an extremely contagious illness. Outbreaks can easily occur amongst close communities and institutions. Occasionally the infection can spread to deeper layers of the skin, causing cellulitis; and to the lymph nodes, causing lymphangitis.
Impetigo – NHS Choices
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection which causes sores and blisters. It’s very common and affects mainly children. There are two types of impetigo: 1. bullous impetigo, which causes large, painless, fluid-filled blisters 2. non-bullous impetigo, which is more contagious than bullous impetigo and causes sores that quickly rupture (burst) to leave a yellow-brown crust …
Impetigo – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection most common among pre-school children. People who play close contact sports such as rugby, American football and wrestling are also susceptible, regardless of age. Impetigo is not as common in adults. The name derives from the Latin impetere (“assail”). It is also known as school sores…
Impetigo | Health | Patient.co.uk
Impetigo is a common infection of the skin. It is contagious, which means it can be passed on by touching. Most cases occur in children, but it can affect anybody of any age. Antibiotic cream usually clears the infection quickly. Antibiotic tablets or liquid medicines are sometimes needed. What is impetigo and what does it look like? …

Kidney Infection

Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) | Health | Patient.co.uk
A kidney infection can cause an unpleasant illness which is sometimes serious. Treatment includes antibiotics and painkillers. If the kidney was previously
Kidney infection – NHS Choices
A kidney infection is an illness that usually happens when bacteria travel up from your bladder into one or both of your kidneys.
Symptoms of kidney infection – NHS Choices
The symptoms of a kidney infection usually develop quite quickly over a few hours or days. Common symptoms include: – pain in your side – pain and discomfort in your lower back and around your genitals …

Measles

Measles – NHS Choices
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and can sometimes lead to serious complications. However, it’s now uncommon in the UK because of the effectiveness of the MMR vaccination. The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you are infected. These can include…
Measles – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Measles, also known as morbilli, English measles, or rubeola (and not to be confused with rubella or roseola) is an infection of the respiratory system caused by…
Measles. What is the measles? Symptoms and treatments | Patient.CO.UK
Measles is an infection that mainly affects children, but can occur at any age. It is rare in the UK, due to immunisation. The illness is unpleasant, but most children…

Menopause

Menopause – NHS Choices
The menopause is where a woman’s ovaries stop producing an egg every four weeks. This causes her monthly periods to stop and she will no longer be able to …
Menopause – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Menopause is the cessation of a woman’s reproductive ability. This typically occurs in women in midlife, during their late 40s or early 50s, and signals the end of …
Menopause and HRT – symptoms and signs.
The menopause can cause various symptoms such as hot flushes and changes to your vagina and genital skin. Hormone replacement therapy…
Menopause Matters, menopausal symptoms, remedies, advice
Menopause and treatment options. An independent, clinician-led site aiming to provide accurate information about the menopause.
The British Menopause Society: For UK health professionals
The British Menopause Society is dedicated to advancing education in all matters related to the Menopause.

Mumps

Mumps – NetDoctor.co.uk
The virus is contagious for about two to three days before and up to seven to eight days after the disease breaks out. What are the symptoms of mumps?
Mumps – NHS Choices
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that used to be common in children. It’s most recognisable by the painful swellings at the side of the face under the ears …
Mumps | Health | Patient.co.uk
Mumps is an infection caused by a virus. It mainly affects the salivary glands but sometimes other parts of the body are affected. Mumps normally affects children, …

Norovirus

CDC – Norovirus Home Page
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that can infect anyone. You can get it from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching …
Norovirus – NHS Choices
Norovirus, sometimes known as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common stomach bug in the UK. The virus is highly contagious. It can affect people of all ages and causes vomiting and diarrhoea. There’s no specific cure for norovirus so you have to let it run its course. It’s usually mild and shouldn’t last more than a couple of days…
Norovirus Infection Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
Symptoms and signs of norovirus infection include vomiting, watery diarrhoea, and stomach pain. Read about treatment, diagnosis, outbreak …

Pregnancy

British Pregnancy Advisory Service
Supports reproductive choice by advocating and providing services to prevent or end unwanted pregnancy with contraception or by abortion.
NCT – Pregnancy
In this section, you can find out about what antenatal screening and testing you will be offered during pregnancy as well as how you might be feeling in terms of your antenatal health and physical symptoms. We also have articles about exercise, nutrition, being pregnant at work and the healthcare professionals that might care for you. We have lots of useful information for dads too.
Pregnancy Week by Week, Pregnancy Information | Pregnancy.com
Find week by week information for pregnancy, foetal development images, helpful tools and a free newsletter that follows your pregnancy week by week.
Pregnancy | Mumsnet
Mumsnet advice on your pregnancy from conception to birth, advice about pregnancy health, antenatal care, tests and scans, exercise, diet, …
Your pregnancy and baby – Pregnancy and baby guide – NHS Choices
All you need to know about pregnancy, birth and looking after a baby, including trying to get pregnant, foods to avoid, breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

Sciatica

Sciatica – NetDoctor.co.uk
Sciatica is defined as pain or discomfort associated with the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, down the back of the legs to the feet.
Sciatica – NHS Choices
Sciatica is the name given to any sort of pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. There are two types, acute and persistent (chronic).
Sciatica: What You Need to Know About Sciatica – Spine-Health
Sciatica describes leg pain, numbness or weakness that starts in the low back and travels down the sciatic nerve in the leg causing sciatica pain.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Birmingham Sexual Health Service
This useful website links the sexual Health clinics available to young people and adults who wish to get more advice on contraception, sexual health concerns, sexually transmitted infections.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases & Infections – STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact. These infections often do not cause any symptoms. Medically, infections are only called diseases when they cause symptoms. That is why STDs are also called “sexually transmitted infections.” But it’s very common for people to use the terms “sexually transmitted diseases” or “STDs,” even when there are no signs of disease.
Sexually transmitted diseases – NetDoctor.co.uk
Unfortunately, in 2012 sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have become more common in Britain than ever before. Last year, there were nearly half a million new cases of STDs reported from sex medicine clinics, with 427,000 being recorded from England alone. This increase is undoubtedly because more and more people are having enjoyable, but sometimes risky, sex lives – often with several partners…
Sexually Transmitted Infections | Health | Patient.co.uk
This leaflet gives some brief information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and what you are advised to do if you suspect that you have an STI….
STIs (sexually transmitted infections) – Live Well – NHS Choices
Introduction to articles and videos on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Includes chlamydia, HIV, herpes, symptoms, and where to get tests and treatment.

Stress, Anxiety, Depression

Mind
We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem. But hundreds of thousands of people are still struggling to get the support they need. Still unable to access the services that could change their life. Still facing prejudice and misunderstanding. Mind believes no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. We’ll listen, give you support and advice, and fight your corner. And we’ll push for a better deal and respect for everyone experiencing a mental health problem.
NHS Choices
Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. Pressure turns into stress when you feel unable to cope. People have different ways of reacting to stress, so a situation that feels stressful to one person may be motivating to someone else.

Thrush

FPA – Thrush and Bacterial vaginosis: causes, symptoms, treatment
Thrush is an infection that is caused by a yeast fungus. It is not a sexually transmitted infection but can sometimes develop after you have had sex Thrush can develop in the vagina and on the male and female genitals. It is a very common cause of unusual vaginal discharge – three out of four women will have thrush at some point in their lives. Most men will not get thrush.
Thrush, men – NHS Choices
Both men and women can get thrush though it is more often associated with …
Vaginal thrush (female candidiasis) – NetDoctor.co.uk
What is thrush? Vaginal thrush is a common condition caused by a yeast infection in the vagina and surrounding area. The infection is usually Candida albicans, but is also known as candida or vulvovaginal candidiasis. Candida lives harmlessly on the skin, in the mouth, gut and vagina and is normally kept under control by harmless bacteria. But sometimes conditions change and the yeast increases rapidly, causing symptoms of discharge and irritation.
Vaginal thrush – NHS Choices
Most women experience occasional bouts of a common yeast infection known as vaginal thrush. It causes itching, irritation and swelling of the vagina and …