Don't just go to A&E... you could get quicker treatment closer to home.
There are a range of healthcare services you and your family can access if you become unwell.
This helpful guide explains which service to use and when. This will help you to receive treatment fast, leaving emergency services to those who need them most.
Self Care
Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries.
A range of common winter 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 well stocked with:
- Paracetamol
- A thermometer
- Antihistamines
- Aspirin
- Rehydration mixture
- Anti-diarrhoea medicine
- Plasters
- Indigestion remedy
Pharmacy
If you want to treat yourself, need advice or have a question about your medication, visit your local pharmacy and ask your local pharmacist for advice.
A number of local pharmacies in Bexley offer free medicines for a range of conditions, without appointment (subject to prescription charges, if applicable). Free emergency contraception is also available from some local pharmacies. If you text pharmacy to 64746 you will receive three free texts with details of your nearest pharmacy.
NHS 111
NHS 111 is a free phone service, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It offers a one-stop number for patients with urgent, but not life-threatening symptoms who want a fast and easy way to get help when they need it.
You should call 111 if:
- You need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency
- You think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
- You need to access out of hours GP services in Bexley
- You don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call
- You need health information or reassurance about what to do next
To find out more about NHS 111, visit the NHS website.
GP Surgery
If you have a medical problem that is not life-threatening visit your family doctor who can provide a range of services by appointment, including medical advice, examinations and prescriptions.
Find a GP online at www.nhs.uk or contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service, click here to find the most appropriate one for you.
Out of Hours Doctor & Dental Services
If you have a medical problem but it is not life-threatening and can’t wait until the next day or over the weekend you can access the out-of-hours GP and dentist services.
If you contact your GP practice outside of working hours, you will be transferred or given the number to Bexley’s out-of-hours GP service, which will provide an appointment at a surgery in Shooters Hill Road in Greenwich or closer to home.
Alternatively, Crayford Town Surgery (Crayford Road, Dartford, DA1 4ER) operates a walk-in service from 8am to 8pm seven days a week, for minor illness or injuries such as an infection, a cut, bruises or stomach upsets. For out-of-hours dental emergencies call 020 8299 5509.
Minor Injuries Clinic
If your injury is not serious but can’t wait until the next day or over the weekend, you can get help from the minor injuries unit.
You can be seen for: minor cuts, bruises, minor dislocations, eye infections, minor burns or scalds and minor trauma to hands, limbs or feet.
Visit the Minor Injuries Unit, Northumberland Medical Centre, Hind Crescent, Erith, DA8 3DB. Call 01322 336 556, open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.
Urgent Care Centre
If you have a minor injury or medical problem that is urgent but not life threatening, visit the urgent care centre.
You can be seen for: broken bones, sprains and strains, minor head injuries, burns and scalds, bites and stings.
Visit the Urgent Care Centre, Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, DA14 6LT. Call 020 8308 5611, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Accident & Emergency (A & E)
999 Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. A&E departments provide immediate emergency care for people with very serious or life-threatening illness.
Dial 999 and go immediately to your nearest A&E department.
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, Woolwich, London SE18 4QH
- Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, Kent DA2 8DA
- Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough Common, Kent BR6 8ND