Urgent and emergency care

 

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Your options:

• Self-care
• Pharmacy
• GP
• NHS 111
• Urgent health problems and minor injuries
• Mental health support
• Emergency Department

 

Self-care 

If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to look after yourself at home without needing medical treatment. 

Common problems such as coughs, colds, minor aches and pains, and small cuts and grazes can often be managed at home with rest, basic first aid or medicines available from a pharmacy. 

If your symptoms get worse or you are worried, seek medical advice. 

 

Pharmacy 

Pharmacists can provide advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and minor health problems, often without an appointment. 

They can help with coughs, colds, sore throats, stomach problems, aches and pains, minor skin conditions and some infections. Pharmacists can also provide prescription medicines for some conditions without you needing to see a GP. 

If your symptoms suggest you need further medical attention, your pharmacist can advise you on where to get the right help. 

Some pharmacies in Croydon are open late and at weekends. Use the NHS website to find your nearest pharmacy and check its opening times. 

Find a pharmacy near you 

 

GP 

Your GP practice can help with a wide range of health problems, from new or ongoing symptoms to long-term conditions. They can assess your symptoms, provide treatment, prescribe medication and refer you to another NHS service or specialist if needed. 

Contact your GP if your symptoms are not improving with self-care or pharmacy treatment, are getting worse, or you have ongoing symptoms that you are concerned about. Your GP can also help with long-term conditions, persistent pain, medication and other health concerns. 

Depending on your needs and your GP practice, appointments may be available face to face, over the phone or online. Contact your GP practice to find out what appointments are available and how to book. 

Find or contact your GP 

 

NHS 111 

If you need medical help now but it’s not a life-threatening emergency, or you’re not sure which NHS service you need, contact NHS 111.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by phone and online. You’ll be asked questions about your symptoms so they can assess what help you need and advise you on what to do next.

Depending on your needs, NHS 111 can direct you to the right service and, where appropriate, arrange for you to speak to a healthcare professional or book you an appointment.

If your assessment shows that you need emergency medical help, NHS 111 can also arrange for an ambulance to be sent to you. 

Use NHS 111 online or call 111. 

 

Urgent health problems and minor injuries 

Not every illness or injury needs care in the Emergency Department. If you have a minor injury or urgent health problem that needs attention but is not life-threatening, an Urgent Treatment Centre or GP Hub may be able to help. 

These services can often help with: 

• Minor cuts and wounds

• Sprains and strains

• Minor burns

• Suspected fractures

• Minor head injuries

• Infections and rashes

• Illnesses that cannot wait for a routine GP appointment 

 

Urgent Treatment Centre 

The Urgent Treatment Centre at Croydon University Hospital is for minor illnesses or urgent medical problems that are not life-threatening but need urgent attention. 

It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

 

GP Hubs 

Croydon’s GP Hubs provide urgent, same-day GP or nurse care for minor illnesses and injuries that cannot wait for a routine appointment with your usual GP. 

GP Hubs are available at Purley War Memorial Hospital and Parkway Health Centre in New Addington, from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. 

Appointments can be booked through NHS 111. 

Find out more about Croydon GP Hubs

 

Minor eye problems 

If you have a minor or recent eye problem, you may be able to get help through Croydon’s Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS). 

Specially trained local optometrists can help with problems including red or painful eyes, irritation, flashes and floaters, and sudden changes in vision. 

Find your nearest Minor Eye Conditions Service

 

Mental health support 

If you need help with your mental health, support is available. 

NHS 111 mental health support (press option 2)

If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed or worried about your mental health, or you are worried about someone else’s mental health, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. 

Samaritans 

You can call Samaritans free at any time on 116 123. 

You can also email jo@samaritans.org. It may take several days to receive a response by email.  

Mind 

For non-urgent information about mental health support and services, call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk. 

 

Emergency Department 

Our Emergency Department at Croydon University Hospital is for serious and life-threatening illnesses and injuries that need urgent hospital care.

This can include: 

• Chest pain that may indicate a heart attack 
• Signs of a stroke 
• Severe breathing difficulties 
• Major injuries 
• Severe bleeding 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Serious allergic reactions 

These are examples and not a complete list. If you are seriously unwell, have a serious injury or are worried that you need urgent hospital care, seek medical help without delay. 

If someone’s life is at risk, call 999. 

 

Still not sure which service you need? 

NHS 111 can help. If you need medical help and are unsure where to go, use NHS 111 online or call 111. They can assess your symptoms and direct you to the right service.