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We are asking Londoners to use their ambulance service
wisely and only call 999 in a real emergency. If you become ill or
injured and need medical help or advice, choose well by using the
right NHS service for your needs.
Choosing well ensures you receive the right care at the
right time and that emergency medical care is available to those
people who need it the most.
How can I choose well?
Take some time to find out more about the variety of healthcare
services that are available to you and what they can offer:
If you want more information about how to choose well, read our
advice
leaflet on how to get right treatment (PDF, 164Kb).
Self care
A lot of illnesses can be treated in your home by using over the
counter medicine and getting plenty of rest.
This is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and
injuries and will ensure that you receive the rest and recovery you
need to get well.
NHS Direct
NHS Direct offers confidential
health advice and information by telephone, on the internet and
through digital TV, 24-hours a day
Phone: 0845 4647
Website: www.nhs.uk
Freeview: channel 100
NHS Direct is able to offer you advice if you are ill and answer
any health-related questions you may have. The service can also
help you to find health services in your area.
It is good way for you to ensure that you get expert advice in
the shortest possible time.
Pharmacist
Pharmacies can be found in local areas across London. Your local
pharmacist can give you advice on illnesses and the medicines you
need to treat them.
Visit a pharmacist when you are suffering from a common health
problem which does not require being seen by a nurse or doctor.
GP
GP surgeries can be found across London. You can make an
appointment with a doctor for medical advice, examinations and
prescriptions. In an emergency, a GP can also visit your home
outside of opening hours – if you need this service, telephone your
local surgery and follow the recorded instructions.
Make an appointment with your local GP when you have an illness
or injury that will not go away.
NHS walk-in centre, urgent care centre, or
minor injuries unit
Walk-in centres, urgent care centres and minor injuries units
give healthcare and advice. Most are open from early in the morning
until late at night. You do not need an appointment, and you will
be seen by an experienced nurse or GP.
Visit one of these centres if you need medical treatment or
advice which does not need a visit to A&E or a medical
appointment.
A&E or 999
Accident and emergency departments are found at most hospitals.
They help people who show signs of being very ill or are badly
injured.
If it is an
emergency and you need to call 999, tell the operator that
you want to speak to the ambulance service. You will be
transferred to one of our call takers who will ask questions so
that we can decide what help to send you.
In an emergency, ambulance staff will be sent to help you. If
you have a more minor problem and you do not need immediate help,
one of our specially-trained clinical advisors may give you medical
advice over the phone. Alternatively, we may pass your details on
to NHS Direct, so that one of their advisors can ring you back with
advice.
You should only call 999 in an emergency. If it is not a
life-threatening situation, consider the other options available to
you.