Emergencies

What is an Emergency?

Whatever the time of day, if you or someone else experiences the symptoms below and you feel it is so serious that it cannot wait, go to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department or call 999.

Symptoms include

  • Chest pain
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Vomiting blood
  • Black stools
  • Breathlessness
  • Non-blanching rashes (the glass test)
  • Possible anaphylactic shock (swelling of mouth and throat)

Emergencies will be dealt with as a priority by a GP.

Don’t go to A&E if it not serious emergency

 NHS Services are everywhere, Self-care to treat very minor illness and injuries

Self-care

A lot of common illnesses can be treated at home by using over-the-counter medicine and getting plenty of rest. It is worth keeping paracetamol or aspirin, anti-diarrhoea medicine, rehydration mixture, indigestion remedy, plasters and a thermometer in your medicine cabinet. Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries. For more information about looking after yourself visit www.nhs.uk.

Ask Your Pharmacist

Your local pharmacist can give you friendly, expert advice about over-the-counter medicines that can help with lots of common conditions such as diarrhoea, a runny nose, a painful cough or a headache, without the need for an appointment. As well as dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists provide a range of services related to specific health issues and can advise on minor ailments such as colds, skin conditions and allergies. Other services include emergency contraception and incontinence supplies. For help finding your nearest pharmacist, use the online search on www.nhs.uk or Visit the National Pharmacy Association website for more information.

GP

Make an appointment with your local GP when you have an illness or injury that will not go away, including persistent vomiting, ear pain, stomach ache or back ache. Get the treatment you need at a convenient time and place and reduce the demand on our emergency services. Registering is free and means you can make an appointment with a doctor for medical advice, examinations and prescriptions. For help finding your nearest GP, use the online search on www.nhs.uk or call 0300 311 22 33. If you need to see a GP urgently when your practice is closed, call 111 for fast medical advice.

Urgent care and walk-in centres

Local urgent care centres and walk-in centres provide fast medical treatment and advice for patients with injuries which are urgent but do not need a visit to A&E. They can also be used when you can’t wait for an appointment with your GP. These centres treat injuries and illnesses such as cuts, sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites and stings. You don’t need to book an appointment – just turn up and you will be seen promptly by a doctor or nurse. To find your nearest urgent care or walk-in centre visit NHS Choices on www.nhs.uk. You can also call 111 for urgent medical advice.

Minor Injuries

If you have had a minor injury within the last 48 hours why wait in A&E, contact the surgery for a Minor Injury appointment.

A&E

The nearest A&E department is Chelsea & Westminster Hospital.

NHS 111 Urgent Care Services

Call 111 if you need medical help fast, but it’s not life-threatening. For example, if you;

  • Think you need to go to hospital
  • Don’t know who to call for medical help
  • Don’t have a GP to call
  • Need medical advice or reassurance about what to do next