If you feel unwell


We all need to know what to do if we feel unwell. Take a look at our top ten healthcare hints to help you decide what's best for you.

  1. If you live in Lambeth but aren’t registered with a family doctor in the borough, get registered now so we can ensure you get the healthcare you need. Call freephone 0800 587 8078 (open weekdays 9am until 5pm) for details of your nearest GP, or go to the NHS Choices website.
  2. If you regularly take medication prescribed by your doctor, check you have enough to carry you through, especially if a weekend's approaching, if you are about to go on holiday or there's a Bank Holiday ahead. If you haven't got enough, contact your GP.
  3. A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help you manage common ailments such as headaches, coughs and colds and cuts and bruises. Ask your local pharmacist for advice.
  4. See a GP or nurse at our walk-in centre at 2-8 Gracefield gardens, Streatham SW16 2ST. Open 8am until 8pm seven days a week, 365 days a year. No appointment is necessary, and you do not need to be registered.
  5. Phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for health advice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Trained nurses can give you advice and assess your needs, and give information on emergency services if necessary. Or visit NHS Direct.
  6. Go to your local pharmacist for advice on minor illnesses or for emergency hormonal contraception (morning after pill). Call our freephone helpline on 0800 587 8078 (open weekdays 9am until 5pm) for details of your nearest pharmacy, or go to the NHS Choices website.
  7. When your doctor’s surgery is shut (evenings/overnight/weekends and bank holidays) call our south-east London out-of-hours GP service Seldoc on 020 8693 9066 for advice or a consultation, if needed.
  8. If you have a dental problem, contact your dentist. If it’s an emergency outside normal dental surgery hours call 020 8299 5509.
  9. For minor injuries or illnesses go to the minor injuries unit at Guy’s Hospital, St Thomas’ Street, SE1, next to London Bridge station. The unit is open 8am until 4pm, seven days a week. The unit closes on some bank holidays (Christmas Day, for example), so if in doubt, phone to check on 020 7188 8088.
  10. For urgent assessment and treatment go to one of the three accident and emergency (A&E) departments serving Lambeth: St Thomas’, King’s or St George’s. If your situation is an emergency, call 999.