Our A&E Departments often get very busy and we ask that you only come to A&E if you need immediate care for something that is very serious or life-threatening. This helps us to focus on very sick patients who need it most.

There are other options available if your condition is not serious or life-threatening so you can be treated safely, comfortably and more quickly. You can also find out more on the NHS website.

We also have information that is just for children, such as managing some common illnesses and injuries and a useful first aid kit for home.

Caring for children in an emergency

NHS 111

For urgent medical advice that is not life-threatening, visit NHS 111 online. If you can’t use the online service, call 111 for free.

Highly trained advisors are supported by healthcare professionals. They will assess your symptoms and direct you to the best place to get medical care. They can also book you an appointment at an urgent treatment centre, emergency dental service, or with a GP, and can book you an appointment at A&E if needed.

Ask your local pharmacist for advice

Pharmacists are highly trained medical professionals who can give you advice on illnesses such as colds and flu, diarrhoea, headaches, and rashes, including over the counter treatments.

Some pharmacists can prescribe a range of medications such as emergency contraception and emergency supplies of your regular prescription and some have rooms where you can talk in private.

You don’t need an appointment and they can also direct you elsewhere if you need to see someone else.

Speak to your doctor

You should contact your GP in the first place if you have a concern about your health.

You should also talk to your GP if you need your prescription reviewed or refilled. 

GP Out of Hours

GP appointments are available every weekday evening between 6.30pm to 10pm and between 8am to 8pm on weekends and bank holidays.

If you live in Barking and Dagenham, Havering or Redbridge you can book these appointments by calling the GP hubs booking hotline on 020 3770 1888 (open from 8am to 8pm) or by calling NHS 111 (available 24/7).

Community urgent treatment centres

If you need help with a minor injury or illness and can’t wait to see your GP, you can walk in with no appointment at a community urgent treatment centre. In Barking and Dagenham, Havering or Redbridge, these are at Barking Community Hospital and Harold Wood Polyclinic from 8am to 9pm, seven days a week.

You can also call 111 to book an appointment.

You do not need to be registered with a GP.

Call 999

Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life could be at risk, for example, you think they are having a heart attack or stroke, or they have been badly injured in a car crash.