Your route to urgent care

Accidents & Emergency (A&E) departments and 999 responders are facing extremely high demand at the moment. It may mean patients will have to wait longer to be seen - patients will be seen in order of clinical need.

Unfortunately, this means those with more minor ailments who do not require urgent medical attention will face longer waiting times as the sickest patients will need to be treated first.

You should only attend A&E if you need immediate care for something that is very serious or life-threatening. Knowing your best route to urgent care can help you find the treatment you need faster.

• If you feel unwell or have a minor injury, your local pharmacy can offer advice and  some medicines. This can help you treat your condition yourself at home. Pharmacists can also help you see the right person, if you need to see someone else. 
• Your GP surgery should usually be the first place you contact if you have particular concern about your health. You can book an appointment in-person, on their website or by phoning them.
• The Newham Enhanced Access Service can offer GP appointments out of hours, and on weekends and bank holidays. Appointments can be booked with your registered GP practice via telephone or in-person. Alternatively you can call the Single Point of Access Team on 0203 839 7513.