Do you know where to access urgent care services over Christmas?

Barking and Dagenham Clinical Commissioning Group have provided some helpful information incase your not feeling well. Over the festive period, people in Barking and Dagenham have a number of healthcare options:

Pharmacy: Many common illnesses such as coughs or colds can be easily treated by visiting your local pharmacy. Pharmacists can offer advice on how to best look after yourself at home with rest and over-the-counter treatments. You don’t need an appointment and many pharmacists have private consultation areas. Visit nhs.uk to find a pharmacy near you. There are pharmacies in Barking and Dagenham open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Find your nearest pharmacy open over the holidays .

GP: If you have a health concern and need an urgent appointment, call your GP surgery. If the surgery is closed, a recorded message will tell you who to contact. Not registered? Visit the NHS website to find a GP near you

Evenings and weekends: Same day, urgent appointments are available every weekday evening between 6.30pm and 10pm, and between 8am and 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays. These appointments can be booked by calling your own GP practice as usual during working hours, calling the booking line directly on 020 3770 1888 between 2pm and 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am and 5pm on weekends, or by calling NHS 111.The GP Hubs in Barking and Dagenham are: Broad Street Medical Centre in Dagenham, RM10 9HU and Barking Community Hospital, IG11 9LX. Anyone registered with a GP in Barking and Dagenham can book an appointment.

NHS 111: If you can’t wait to see your own GP, you can call the free NHS 111 number for quick and easy access to clinical support and assessment – at any time of day or night. GPs, nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists give urgent advice over the phone. If you need to be seen, they will be able to direct you to the best service and can prescribe medicines over the phone if required. You can also access the service online at any time by visiting www.111.nhs.uk

Mental health support – If you need to speak to someone urgently you can call NELFT mental health direct on 0300 555 1000 at any time. 

NHS App: You can also book appointments and access NHS 111 using the NHS App. Patients can download the app from the Apple or Android app stores and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set it up, link it to their GP practice and enjoy its full functionality.

NHS website: Visit the NHS website to find services near you, A-Z guide and advice how to look after yourself and your loved ones over winter. Remember, for life-threatening emergencies, you should always call 999 immediately.