You don't have to wait to see a GP. Certain illnesses can be treated by visiting the Pharmacist and by self care. There is also the option to visit the Minor Injuries Unit or the Urgent Care Centre for other complaints.
Self Care: Care for yourself at home
Pharmacy: Expert advice and medicines
GP: Medical attention and advice
NHS 111 online: If you can't see your GP
Minor Injuries Units & Urgent Care Centres: Minor injuries
A&E or 999: For life threatening emergency
Self-Care
Coughs and Colds / Grazes / Hangover
You can treat all of the above, in fact, this is the best place for you.
Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries. A range of common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply by combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest.
Make sure that your medicine cabinet is stocked with:
- paracetamol
- a thermometer
- antihistamines
- aspirin (not for under 16s)
- rehydration mixture
- anti-diarrhoea medicine
- plasters
- indigestion remedy
Pharmacist
Diarrhoea / Headache / Sore throat / Painful cough / Runny nose / Skin conditions / Minor illnesses / Upset stomach
Your pharmacist is a healthcare professional who can provide advice and treatment for these common conditions as well as dispensing prescriptions. Free emergency contraception is also available at some local pharmacies.
You can find details of your nearest pharmacy at www.nhs.uk
Minor Injuries Unit
Minor cuts / Bruises / Minor dislocations / Eye infections / Minor burns or scalds / Minor trauma to hands, limbs or feet
If your injury is not serious, you can get help from the minor injuries unit. This is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm.
- Visit the MIU at Northumberland Heath Medical centre, Hind Crescent, Erith, DA8 3DB
- Call 01322 336 556
Urgent Care Centre
Cuts / Burns / Sprains / Strains / Suspected breaks / Minor head injuries / Bites and stings
If you have an urgent, but non-life-threatening illness or condition, attend the urgent care centre. The urgent care centre is open 24hours a day, seven days a week.
- Visit the UCC at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup DA14 6LT
- Call 0208 308 561
A&E
Please only visit A&E if you are suffering from the following:
- blacking out
- bleeding you can't stop
- severe chest pain
- choking
- loss of consciousness
- stroke
These are all emergencies and you need urgent hospital care.
Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments and 999 should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. A&E departments provide immediate emergency care for people with very serious of life-threatening illness.
At A&E the most seriously ill patients will be seen before those with less urgent care conditions. This means that some people will have to wait for several hours or they may be signposted to their GP, pharmacist or other healthcare services who will be able to assist them.
Dial 999 or go immediately to your nearest A&E department:
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, Woolwich, London SE18 4HQ
- Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, Kent DA2 8DA
- Princess Royal university Hospital, Farnborough Common, Kent BR6 8ND