​Use A&E responsibly this Easter

With Easter just around the corner, NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging local patients to think before visiting their A&E department over the four day weekend.

As many people prepare to tackle the garden, dabble in DIY and spend time with friends and family, residents are being reminded that A&E is for life-threatening illnesses only and that alternative health services are available locally.

Easter is a busy time for local A&E departments and there are other health services in Southwark that can provide quicker and more appropriate treatment if you have a minor injury or ailment.

You can get expert advice and treatment from alternatives including:

• Self-care – people suffering from minor ailments such as coughs and colds, grazes and hangovers should treat themselves at home or visit their local pharmacy. There is also lots of useful health advice and information available at www.nhs.uk
  
  
• Pharmacies – your local pharmacist is qualified to offer advice on health issues and medication as well as treat headaches, an upset stomach and other common illnesses. Plan ahead and make sure you have enough medicines to see you through the Easter holidays when your GP practice is closed. See below for a list of pharmacies open over Easter.
  
  
• Your GP – your GP is your first port of call for on-going illnesses or injuries. Check with you surgery for their Easter opening hours.
  
  
• GP out-of-hours service – many GP surgeries are now open longer hours, however, if your surgery is closed you will be redirected to the GP out-of hours service provided by South East London Doctors on Call (SELDOC) or you can call them direct on 0208 693 9066. This service may provide you with an over-the-phone consultation or ask you to attend one of their clinics for an out-of-hours appointment.
  
  
• Guy's Urgent Care Centre – treats people aged one year old and above and no appointment is necessary. The service is managed by doctors and nurses who are available to deal with minor illnesses and injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains, infections and broken bones. The service is open 8am-8pm, 7 days a week (last patient at 7pm). Guy's Urgent Care Centre, Guy's Hospital Tabard Annexe, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT.

Download a guide to local alternative services.

Pharmacy opening times over Easter bank holidays