There are a wide range of services available in Wandsworth, its important that you choose the service that is appropriate for your needs.
NHS Direct is available 24 hours a day and lets you speak to an experienced nurse. You can call to find out about advice, who can best treat you, if you can treat yourself, or for any other health related matter.
For deaf people or those hard of hearing there is a textphone service available on 0845 606 46 47. For those whose preferred language is not English, when you call state the language and wait to be connected to an interpreter. This service is confidential.
CareLine provides up to date information on all aspects of healthcare for adults, including, how to get home help, finding a local GP, and assistance with a drug or alcohol addiction.
A lot of minor complaints can be treated at home, such a colds, flu, grazes and cuts. Its a good idea to keep the following things in your medicine cupboard.
Plasters - Useful for minor cuts and grazes
Antiseptic cream - To clean any cuts or grazes
Paracetamol - Pain relief, reduces fever, also reduces the symptoms of colds and flu’s.
Antacids - Reduces heartburn and indigestion
Thermometer - To monitor persons temperature during fever
Calamine lotion - Soothes itching
Its also a good idea to purchase a First Aid kit (click here), also there are many first aid courses (click here) that you can attend to increase your knowledge on providing help.
Pharmacies are able to give you advice on the best treatment and medicine for your problems. Many pharmacists also provide advice how to stop stop smoking, emergency contraception, and information on your local health services. Like visiting your GP visiting the pharmacist is confidential.
Click here to visit NHS Choices to find your nearest pharmacist.
Walk-in centres offer fast and convenient access to a range of NHS services, run by experienced NHS nurses, and you don't need to make an appointment – perfect for those of us with busy lifestyles. Waiting times at walk-in centres are usually much shorter than at Accident and Emergency departments.
Children under 2 years old can not be treated here.
Minor Injuries Units (MIUs) offer a walk-in service, with no appointment necessary. They are staffed by Emergency Nurse Practioners who can diagnose and treat a variety of injures and ailments.
Waiting times at walk-in centres are usually much shorter than at Accident and Emergency departments.
Children under 2 years old can not be treated here.
Harmoni is an out-of-hours service run by qualified nurses and GP’s, if you live in Wandsworth, regardless of if you are registered with a GP, use this if you feel unwell during the evening or at night. It really is an emergency service so only use it if you can not wait until the morning.
Your Dr at your local GP surgery will be able to provide you with medical care and if necessary refer you to a specialist who will be able to deal with you better.
Almost all GP surgeries have nurses, vaccination programs and some perform basic surgery on site.
You can use the Find a Dr helpline to locate your local GP call 020 8335 1330
In an emergency visit your local Accident and Emergency (A&E) department listed below. An emergency is a critical or life threatening situation like loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, heavy blood loss or serious accidents. If the situation is not life threatening, try and make your own way there by car, taxi or public transport. This saves ambulances for people who really need them.
If the situation is very serious, dial 999 and ask for the ambulance service. Calling an ambulance won't necessarily mean you are seen quicker at A&E, as the most serious cases are prioritised, so only call if absolutely necessary.
Your local A&E departments are:
St George’s Hospital, Tooting 020 8725 1222
Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT
Kingston Hospital 020 8546 7711 extension 2181
Galsworthy Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7QB
Chelsea & Westminster Hospital 020 8746 8080
369 Fulham Road , London , SW10 9NH
Charing Cross Hospital 020 8846 1006 / 1005
Fulham Palace Road , Hammersmith , W6 8RF
St Thomas ’ Hospital 020 7188 8899
Lambeth Palace Road , London , SE1 7EH
King’s College Hospital 020 7737 4000 extension 2400
Denmark Hill, London , SE5 9RS
