Our Emergency Department at St George’s will always be there for anyone who needs care, but this winter, we want to make sure patients know how to access quicker, safer treatment in the right environment.

A lot of patients visit our Emergency Department without being aware of the other healthcare options available to them. By getting treatment in the right place, you’ll be helping the NHS at a time when the demand for our services is high, and you could also avoid waiting in our Emergency Department when quicker treatment is available elsewhere.

Below you can find a list of the NHS services in south west London that can provide expert clinical advice for a range of illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains, as well as a graphic that can help signpost you to the right place for a range of health concerns.

You can also find information on the flu and Covid-19 vaccines and how to get protected if you’re eligible.

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you with minor health concerns.

As well as offering clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines, they can also have the right training to make sure you can get the help you need from a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.

To find your local pharmacy and learn more about the ways they can help, visit the NHS website here.

NHS 111

For urgent medical help, NHS 111 online can help you get the care and support you need.

Trained health advisors, including hospital doctors, nurses, GPs, paramedics and pharmacists are available 24/7 to help you get the right care close to where you live.

111 online can tell you:

  • Where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
  • How to find general health information and advice
  • Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
  • How to get a repeat prescription

Visit 111.nhs.uk here.

If you live in Merton or Wandsworth, NHS 111 is also able to allocate you a scheduled time slot across a range of health services in south west London, including in our Emergency Department.

Staying well this winter – get vaccinated and get protected

One of the best ways to stay well this winter is to get your vaccines and get protected.

Both the flu and Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective and can protect you from getting seriously ill. Not only will the vaccines protect you, they will also protect your loved ones and others in your community.

If you are over 50, have certain health conditions or are pregnant, you are eligible to get a free flu vaccine from the NHS – more information on how and where you can get your flu jab is available on the NHS website here.

Currently, anyone over the age of 40 can get their Covid-19 booster provided it has been at least six months since your second dose – visit the NHS website here for more information on Covid-19 vaccines and how to get protected.