When We Are Closed
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When the surgery is closed and it cannot wait until the surgery is open, you can contact NHS Direct by dialling 111. Calls to the NHS 111 service are free from both landlines and mobiles.
NHS England has produced a short film to help people with a learning disability, autism or both, understand how and when to access the service, and what to expect.
Consider other options before you visit A&E
A&E or 999Accident and emergency departments should only be used in a critical or life threatening situation. A&E departments provide immediate emergency care for people who show the symptoms of serious illness or are badly injured [choking, chest pain, blackout, blood loss].
Urgent Care Centre, New Cross Hospital is based alongside A&E department at New Cross Hospital and is open 24/7, 365 days a year. You can self-present at the reception at Urgent Care Centre or you may be directed to it by NHS 111 when appointments will be booked electronically for you. You may also be redirected to this service from A&E if it more appropriate to manage your needs.
Phoenix Walk-in Centre, Parkfield Road WV4 6ED, opening hours 10am-7pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturdays, Sundays, bank holidays.
The walk in centre offers on the spot treatment (without an appointment) and advice for minor health problems, illness, ailments and injuries [cuts, strains, itches, sprains].
Pharmacy - when suffering from common a health problem that does not require being seen by a nurse or doctor. Many pharmacies are open longer hours and offer expert advice on everyday ailments. They can provide advice on common illnesses and the best medicines to treat them [diarrhoea, runny nose, painful cough, headache].
Pharmacy First Scheme - if you are exempt from paying prescription charges and have a minor ailment, you can now go directly to a pharmacy to get treatment free of charge. There is no need to collect a voucher from the practice but you must present proof of your exemption to the pharmacy. You must register directly with your preferred pharmacy. You may access the scheme up to 3 times, every 6 months. For more information ask at reception or visit your pharmacist.