Choose Well - alternatives to A&E

Choosing the right place to go for NHS treatment will ensure that you get the right care, as soon as possible. If you’re not sure what’s best, phone before you go.
 

If your injury is not serious, you can get help from a minor injuries unit (MIU), rather than going to an A&E department. This will allow A&E staff to concentrate on people with serious, life-threatening conditions and will save you a potentially long wait.

Find out where your local minor injury units (MIUs) are in West Kent, this is normally a quicker alternative to the Emergency Care Centre (Maidstone Hospital) and A&E department (Tunbridge Wells Hospital).

There are other NHS services available, more information about each of them can be found below.

Looking after yourself and your family is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries. A range of common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply by combining plenty of rest with a well-stocked medicine cabinet containing;

• paracetamol
• anti-diarrhoeal medicine
• rehydration mixture
• indigestion remedy
• plasters
• thermometer.

NHS Direct provide confidential health advice and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, phone 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. You can also visit www.nhs.uk to search for all NHS services near you.

Pharmacists are qualified to give you free, expert advice on medicines and minor ailments - you don't need an appointment to see a pharmacist.

To find out where your nearest pharmacy is, text ‘Pharmacy’ to 64746

Your GP (doctor's) surgery is the right choice for general medical advice, treatment, prescriptions, vaccinations and tests.

If your own GP surgery is closed and you cannot wait until it next opens, phone the surgery for a message about the out of hours service.

For an emergency dentist call your own dentist surgery for a message about the out of hours service.
Alternatively call Dentaline on 01634 890300 or NHS Direct 0845 46 47 for advice.