You and Your Health
In today's NHS there are lots of choices, as you'll see on the NHS Choices website. By making the right choice at the right time you can get the best possible treatment. So if you or a family member is feeling unwell, this handy checklist can help you decide.
- Self care
- Pharmacists
- NHS Direct
- GP
- GP out-of-hours
- Dentists
- Minor Injuries Unit
- Hospital Accident & Emergency
- 999
- The 'morning after pill'
- Go to our useful links section
If you are not sure what to do or how urgent your problem is ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (the helpline is open 24 hours a day).
Self care
A well-stocked medicine cabinet will help with many common illnesses such as coughs and colds, and cuts and bruises. Your local pharmacist can advise you.
Pharmacist
Your local pharmacist can give expert advice without an appointment. Pharmacists can also advise on healthy eating, obesity and giving up smoking. Some have semi-private areas where you can talk in confidence.
NHS Direct
Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice, a health assessment and information about services 24 hours a day. This also includes opening times of pharmacies, mental health services, emergency dental care and where to get emergency contraception.
GP
For jabs, prescriptions, medical advice and care, get an appointment with your GP or practice nurse. For information about GPs in your local area, or if you are having difficulties registering with a local GP, call the patient advice liasion service (PALS) on freephone 0800 587 8078 or visit NHS Choices.
Need to see a doctor quickly?
See a doctor or nurse everyday from 8am-8pm at Gracefield Gardens health and social care centre, 2-8 Gracefield Gardens, Streatham SW16 2ST. Book an appointment on 020 3049 5000 or just walk-in. You don't need to register at the practice to see a doctor.
GP out of hours
When your GP surgery is closed, call South East London Doctors’ Co-operative (SELDOC) on 020 8693 9066 from 6.30pm to 8am weekdays and all day Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays. This is for patients registered with a Lambeth, Southwark or Lewisham GP.
Dentists
You don't need to register with a dentist to get reguler treatment. Call PALS freephone 0800 587 8078 to find your nearest dentist or visit the NHS Choices website. Also see our leaflet How to get an NHS dental appointment in Lambeth.
Dentist out of hours
In a dental emergency out of normal surgery hours call 020 8299 5509. Otherwise call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 who will assess and advise you accordingly.
inor Injuries Unit
If you have suffered from a minor injury, rather than go to A&E visit the Minor Injuries Unit at Guy’s Hospital, St Thomas’ Street, SE1. Open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Accident & Emergency
For urgent assessment or treatment, visit A&E at St Thomas’ Hospital, King’s College Hospital or St George’s Hospital 24 hours a day.
999
Ring 999 for an ambulance to A&E if it is very urgent, critical or life threatening.
Emergency Hormonal Contraception
The ‘morning after pill’ is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies in Lambeth. At some, it is provided free of charge.
If you would like information on the ‘morning after pill’ please contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 open 24 hours a day. The availability of these services may be reduced over bank holiday periods.
There are a number of pharmacies in Lambeth offering free Emergency Hormonal Contraception (Morning After Pill) free of charge. These pharmacies can offer advise and supply the morning after pill to you free of charge. Most other pharmacies will be able to supply you the morning after pill at a charge.