Urgent Care​

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A&E departments are for life-threatening emergencies. If you're not sure whether it is an emergency call 111 for advice.

There are doctors available in Wandsworth, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

You can often look after yourself at home with medicine, get medicines from your local pharmacy (sometimes even for free under the Minor Ailment Scheme - ask in store), see a doctor evenings, weekends and bank holidays or even visit a walk in centre or urgent care centre. Have a look at all the options by visiting myhealthlondon or click on the links below.



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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 who want a fast and easy way to get help when they need it.

You should call 111 if:

  • It's not a 999 emergency
  • You think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service
  • You don't think it can wait for an appointment with your GP
  • You don't know who to call for medical help

For less urgent health needs you should still contact your GP in the usual way. For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999.​​​​​

  

Look after yourself at home, in fact, sometimes that's the best place for you!​​

​Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries.

A range of common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply by combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest.

Make sure that your medicine cabinet is well stocked with:
  • Paracetamol
  • A thermometer
  • Antihistamines
  • Aspirin (not for under 16yrs)
  • Rehydration mixture
  • Anti-diarrhoea medicine
  • Plasters
  • Indigestion remedy​
  

​Diarrhoea / headache / sore throat / painful cough / runny nose / minor illnesses / upset stomach / skin conditions constipation / fever / cold (to coughs) / minor (skin conditions) / strains & sprains / minor burns and scalds.​


Your pharmacist is a healthcare professional who can provide advice and treatment for these common conditions as well as dispensing prescriptions. Some pharmacies in Wandsworth run a 'Minor Ailment Scheme' where you can get some prescription medicines directly from them, for free, if you are entitled - ask your local pharmacist for more details.

Free emergency contraception (also known as the morning after pill) is also available at some local pharmacies, ask in store.

You can find details of your nearest pharmacy at www.nhs.uk​​

  

​Your GP provides a range of services by appointment and will be able to assess your immediate needs as well as refer you into a specialist service, such as outpatients, if necessary. They also know your medical history so are best placed to manage you.

Make sure you get your repeat prescriptions before a bank holiday and check on older friends or relatives to make sure they are up to date.

Many surgeries open longer hours than you think, however, if your surgery is closed, call NHS 111 for advice and a doctor's appointment if you need it.

If you have an ongoing illness or condition, be it physical or mental, there is a lot of advice and support, including free courses, available to you. Contact our Wellbeing Hub on 020 8812 6700 to find out more or visit their web pages here.​

  

​​Wandsworth residents can call the Out of Hours Emergency Dental Service on 020 3402 1333. They will be able to assess your needs on the phone and direct you to an emergency dentist if needed.

They are open from 5pm until 8 am Monday to Friday, 24 hours over the weekends and 8.30am to 10pm on bank holidays.​​

  
​​If you have an urgent but non-life-threatening illness or condition, go to the urgent care or walk in centres in the borough.​ They can treat things like: Cuts / burns / sprains / strains / suspected breaks / minor head injuries / bites and stings​

Local centres are:

  • The Junction Health Centre, Grant Road, Clapham Junction
        Open 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year

  • Queen Mary's Hospital Minor Injuries Unit, Roehampton Lane, Roehampton
        8am to 10pm, 365 days a year


  • St George's Hospital Urgent Care Centre, Blackshaw Road, Tooting
        Open weekdays 6.30pm to Midnight, weekends 10am to Midnight, 365 days a year
  

Blacking out / bleeding you can't stop / severe chest pain / choking / loss of consciousness / stroke​

These are all emergencies and you need hospital care.​

​Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments and 999 should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. A&E departments provide immediate emergency care for people with very serious or life-threatening illness.

At A&E the most seriously ill patients will be seen before those with less urgent care conditions. This means that some people have to wait for several hours or they may be signposted to their GP, pharmacist or other healthcare services who will be able to assist them.

Dial 999 or go immediately to your nearest A&E department:​

  • St George's Hospital, Tooting
  • Chelsea & Westminster Hospital
  • Kingston Hospital​​​​​