Choose the right place to go
If you become unwell this winter there are a range of healthcare services you and your family can access.
This helpful choose well guide explains which service to use and when. By choosing well you will 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
NHS Direct Helpline
If you require advice on a health issue or condition, or advice on where best to go for help.
For confidential health advice and information, visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call 0845 46 47 – available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls cost a maximum of 5p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and other networks cost may vary. Your service provider may charge a minimum cost per call. A confidential interpretation service is available in many languages.
If you require advice on a health issue or condition and you want to know where to go for help contact NHS Direct. Text phone 0845 606 4647.
Pharmacy
If you want to treat yourself, need advice or have a question about your medication, visit your local pharmacist.
Ask your local pharmacist for advice. Opening times are available at www.bexley.nhs.uk.
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.
Doctors
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 call the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0800 328 9712 which will help you to get registered.
Out-of-hours doctor and 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 Unit
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, vomiting, 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 and 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
Winter tips
Keep warm
Even the healthiest people can become ill in winter and more accidents happen when it’s cold and dark. One of the best ways to keep well during winter is to stay warm. During the winter months remember to eat well, stay active, keep your home warm, wrap up warm (inside and out), look out for elderly friends and neighbours.
Catch it, bin it, kill it!
- Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
- Put dirty tissues in the bin immediately after use.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Make sure you clean surfaces and contact points.
Winter warmer checklist
- If you take regular prescription medication, have you got enough to get through the Christmas and New Year holiday period?
- Check up regularly on vulnerable elderly neighbours who may need support.
- Had a niggling toothache for a while? Don’t wait and let it flare up over the holiday period and spoil your enjoyment of those special Christmas treats.
For more information on healthcare in Bexley, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 328 9712.
