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Published: 12 Apr 2022

Staff at St George’s are urging south west Londoners to take extra care and only attend the emergency department in genuine emergencies over the coming Easter weekend.

St George’s is very busy and is experiencing a high demand on services, with many people attending the emergency department who could be seen more quickly in other healthcare environments.

Staff at St George’s are always on hand when you need care, but unless it is an emergency and you need to attend the emergency department, please call NHS 111 to gain advice on which part of the NHS can best support you in the most timely way.

If you take regular medication and are due your next prescription, please request and collect it in advance of the bank holiday. This not only means you have peace of mind, but it will help ensure that out-of-hours pharmacy or GP services can be used for those requiring urgent care more quickly.

If you need urgent health care

  • If it is a life-threatening emergency, then call 999
  • If you are told to go to hospital, then you must go. The NHS will help you get the care you need.

If you need urgent mental health care 

If you need advice from a pharmacist

  • For minor medical problems, not related to coronavirus, many local pharmacies will be open and are able to help this weekend – although their opening times may be different
  • A number of pharmacies in London will be open for longer hours – search for a pharmacy at nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-pharmacy

If you think you need advice from a GP

  • GP services are available this Bank Holiday weekend
  • Contact your practice online or by phone to be assessed
  • If your practice is not open but an appointment is necessary, you will be advised of the next steps. Your appointment may be at another nearby service.

If you think you need urgent dental treatment

  • Call your dentist
  • If you cannot contact your dentist, or you do not have one, use the NHS 111 online service or call if you cannot get online
  • If an appointment is necessary, this will be arranged at an urgent dental care centre.

If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

  • Stay at home and visit nhs.uk/coronavirus for health advice
  • Do not go to your GP practice, pharmacy or A&E
  • If your symptoms worsen, or you feel that you cannot manage at home, please visit the NHS111 online coronavirus service. Call 111 if you cannot get online or you’ve been told to do so.

Coronavirus vaccine

  • Vaccine clinics remain open across south west London, details available here – https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/covid/vaccination-walk-in-clinics/
  • Vaccines are available for
  • 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 5 years old and over
  • boosters for people aged 16 years old and over, plus at-risk children aged 12 to 15 years old
  • spring boosters for people aged 75 years old and over, plus people aged 12 years old and over with a weakened immune system
  • additional primary doses for people with a severely weakened immune system aged 12 years old and over