If you feel unwell and ‘over the counter’ medicines are not helping, then don’t wait for it to get worse – speak to your GP and it may avoid a trip to hospital. Make sure that your medicine cabinet is stocked up with basics, such as paracetamol, plasters and a thermometer.
Keep a good supply of your regular medicines and if you need a repeat prescription you should contact your GP.
We need to use our A&E resources for the most seriously ill patients, so please ‘choose well’ by choosing the best health service for your condition. If it’s not too serious, you’re likely to be seen quicker elsewhere.
| ► | The sorts of symptoms you might have |
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Headache, |
Self-care |
Many common illnesses can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines, plenty of rest and regular fluids. Keep your medicine cabinet well stocked. |
| NHS 111 Service |
You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency. You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation. |
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| Pharmacist |
Ask your pharmacist for advice on the best medicines and treatments for minor ailments. |
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| Medical examinations, advice and prescriptions | GP | Contact your GP surgery for routine doctors appointments. An out-of-hours GP service is available when your surgery is closed. |
| Cuts, sprains, strains, minor burns, stings |
NHS walk-in centre or GP-led health centre | Walk-in centres are located in Woking, Weybridge and Ashford and no appointment is usually necessary. |
| Minor injuries units and urgent care or treatment centres | The closest minor injuries units are at Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot and Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton. | |
| Serious injury, life threatening conditions | A&E or 999 | In an emergency or if you are seriously ill call 999 or go to A&E. Please only use these services if you really need them. |
| ► | Finding your local health services |
Your GP
For details of your GP out-of-hours service (during the night and at weekends) you should call the usual phone number for your surgery and listen to the answerphone message.
Local Walk-in Centres
Woking Community HospitalHeathside Road Telephone: Open: |
Weybridge Community Hospital22 Church Street Telephone: Open: |
Ashford Health CentreAshford Hospital Telephone: Open: |
Please note that some walk-in centres will not treat children under the age of two. They may also shut to new patients half an hour before the advertised closing time.
A&E
The emergency department is located at St. Peter’s Hospital. It should only be used if you are seriously ill or it is an emergency. Please note that there is not an A&E at Ashford Hospital. The Ashford walk-in centre is for non-urgent care only.
Frequently asked questions about coming to A&E
| If the treatment is the same everywhere, does it matter where I go? | Yes, because you will be treated more quickly if you go to the most appropriate place. In A&E, patients with the most urgent and life threatening conditions will always be seen first. Some services are not provided in A&E. These include repeat prescriptions, emergency dental care, blood tests, travel vaccinations, dressing changes, removal of stiches and ear syringing. |
| Surely A&E can just ‘squeeze me in’? | Each year, nearly 100,000 patients attend A&E at St. Peter’s Hospital and we estimate that around 18,000 of these could receive more appropriate treatment elsewhere. Each extra person means our doctors and nurses have less time to treat those who really need help. |
| If I get ill at night should I just go straight to A&E? | No, unless it’s an emergency or you are seriously unwell. A&E can be just as busy in the middle of the night so it is worth trying other services, such as your out-of-hours GP or NHS Direct. |
| When should I bring my child to A&E? | If you think your child is seriously unwell, has had a significant injury or you have been advised by your doctor. Otherwise, you should see your GP for advice and treatment. For minor infections and injuries you can attend an NHS Walk in Centre (NB: some walk-in centres will not treat children under the age of two). |