A&E departments are under significant pressure with many people presenting with conditions that could be treated elsewhere. It is possible that people attend A&E because they are unsure about where to go to get the right treatment.
We hope this information will help you choose the right service for your illness or injuries.
Self care
A lot of common illnesses can be treated in your own home by taking medicine and getting plenty of rest.
It is worth keeping in your medicine cabinet paracetamol or aspirin, rehydration mixture, indigestion remedy, plasters and a thermometer.
That way you’ll be ready for any minor illness or injury that you or your family may suffer
Information about treating common conditions is available at NHS Choices
Pharmacist
Your local pharmacist can give you expert advice about over-the-counter medicines that can help with lots of common conditions without the need for an appointment.
GP
If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, it’s best to visit your GP. You’ll have to make an appointment to get the treatment you need from your GP, but this way you’ll help reduce the demand on emergency services.
Urgent care and walk-in centres
If you have an illness that is urgent but not life threatening, contact your GP, call 111 when your practice is closed or visit an urgent care or walk-in centre.
Urgent care centres treat most injuries and illnesses such as sprains and strains, minor burns, minor head or eye injuries, bites and stings. You will be seen without an appointment.
The Whittington Hospital Urgent Care Centre
Magdala Avenue, London N19 5NF
Open daily 8am to 10pm.
University College Hospital Urgent Care Centre
235 Euston Road, London NW1 2BU
Tel. 020 3456 7890
NHS 111
Call 111 when you need urgent medical advice or you don't know where to go to get the right treatment.
Calls to 111 will be assessed, advice given and, if needed, patients will be directed to the most appropriate local health services.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free to call from landlines and mobiles.
Mental Health services
If you're feeling distressed, anxious or need help with your mental health then please get in touch with your GP or contact Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust (C&I) on 020 3317 6800. Out of hours, call 111.
If you are already known to C&I, follow the information in your crisis plan.
In an emergency, call 999.
Free, confidential information is available at www.icope.nhs.uk
A&E or 999
For life-threatening injuries or illnesses go to A&E or call 999.
If you or someone with you is suffering from chest pain or is choking, has blacked out or is losing blood, don’t hesitate, call 999 or go straight to A&E where you’ll be seen immediately.
The Whittington Hospital
Magdala Avenue, London N19 5NF
Tel. 020 7288 5216
University College Hospital
235 Euston Road, London NW1 2BU
Tel. 020 3456 7890