Use A&E only if you need it this Spring bank holiday, say Greenwich NHS GCCG

by  Greenwich NHS GCCG | Eltham

GP Dr Ellen Wright

Ahead of the three day weekend, NHS Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group is encouraging local residents to think before they visit A&E during the Spring May bank holiday.

Patients are being reminded that alternative health services are available over the three day weekend and that A&E is for life-threatening illnesses only.

Local GP Dr Ellen Wright, Clinical Chair of NHS Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said people should not use the ambulance service and A&E as an alternative to their GP if their GP surgery was closed on bank holiday Monday. 

“If you have a minor injury or ailment there are many other health services in Greenwich that can provide quicker and more appropriate treatment,” she said. 

“A&E is for life-threatening illnesses and injuries only and using the right health service for your needs will ensure you receive more appropriate treatment more quickly and free up local A&E staff to help those patients with the most serious conditions.

“If your GP surgery is closed and you haven’t got a life threatening illness or injury you can call the 24/7 free NHS number 111 or visit the NHS Choices website to find the right service.

 “If you use medication, please also plan ahead and make sure you have enough to see you through the bank holiday weekend when your GP surgery will be closed.”

Alternative NHS services available to Greenwich residents over the bank holiday are: 

·  Self-care – people suffering from minor ailments such as coughs and colds, grazes and hangovers should treat themselves at home or visit their local pharmacy.

·  Pharmacies – your local pharmacist is qualified to offer advice on health issues and medication as well as treat headaches, an upset stomach and other common illnesses.

·  NHS 111 – NHS 111 is a free phone service that 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.

·  Urgent Care Centre (UCC) and Walk-in Centre -- with no appointment necessary your local centres are managed by doctors and nurses who are available to deal with minor illnesses and injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains and suspected breaks.

· Visit the Greenwich Urgent Care Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, Woolwich, London SE18 4QH. Open from 8am to 11pm, 7 days a week.

http://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/.

· Visit the Urgent Care Centre in Thamesmead.  Open f​rom 8am to 8pm.  4 - 5 Thames Reach, Thamesmead, London SE28 0NY, Tel: 020 8319 5880.

· Visit the Walk-in Centre in Woolwich.  Open from 8am to 8pm. Clover Health Centre, Equitable House, General Gordon Place Woolwich London SE18 6AB, Tel: 020 8331 ​0567.

·  GP out-of-hours service – If you need to see a doctor when your GP surgery is closed, ring 111 and if appropriate you will be transferred  to the GP out-of-hours services. These are staffed by local doctors and nurses who can offer advice or, see you at their base or  if you are too unwell to travel, visit you at home.

Residents can download a guide to alternative services in the Greenwich area here.