Public asked to think before heading to A&E
Frontline clinicians at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, are urging local people to think carefully about the most appropriate place to go for healthcare this winter rather than heading straight for A&E. Alternative services include GP surgeries, minor injuries units, walk-in centres or community pharmacies where people will be seen quicker.
The hospital is home to one of the busiest A&E departments in the country, providing specialist treatment for life-threatening conditions. The hospital is also one of four major trauma centres in London which means that London Ambulance Service bring people with the most serious injuries straight to St George’s from across southwest London, Surrey and Sussex.
Phil Moss, clinical director for A&E says: “In A&E we are used to treating high numbers of patients all year round. While the majority of patients who come to A&E do require emergency care, there are still a significant number who could have gone elsewhere.
“As the winter sets in it is important that the public choose their health services carefully, to ensure that staff in our A&E department can focus on caring for those patients with serious, often life-threatening injuries.”
The NHS choose well campaign helps to direct people to the most appropriate care. Advice is also available by calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. People with flu-like symptoms or who are suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting should stay away from hospital contact their GP or call NHS Direct.
For more information about what local health services are available visit www.nhs.uk.
Notes to editors
For more information, please contact the communications team at St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust on 020 8725 5151 or emailcommunications@stgeorges.nhs.uk. Outside working hours, please page the team by calling 0844 822 2888, leaving a short message and contact details for pager SG548.
Walk-in centres and minor injury units around Wandsworth:
The Junction Health Centre
Grant Road, Clapham Junction, SW11 2HE
Opening hours – Seven days a week, 0800hrs – 2000hrs.
Telephone – 0333 200 1718
The Junction Health Centre website
Tooting NHS Walk-in Centre
Clare House, St George’s Hospital, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, SW17 0QT
Opening hours – 0700hrs – 2200hrs, last entry 9pm. Open 365 days a year.
Telephone – 020 8700 0505
Tooting NHS Walk-in Centre website
Queen Mary’s Hospital Minor Injuries Unit
Roehampton Lane, Roehampton, SW15 5PN
Opening hours – 0800hrs – 2000hrs, last entry at 1930hrs. Open 365 days a year.
Telephone – 020 8487 6999
Queen Mary’s Hospital Minor Injuries Unit website
Brocklebank Health Centre GP Walk-in Centre
249 Garratt Lane, Wandsworth, SW18 4DU
Opening hours – Monday to Friday 1830hrs – 2130hrs – not open on bank holidays or weekends.
Telephone – 020 8812 5400
Brocklebank Health Centre website
Charing Cross NHS Walk-in Centre
Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, W6 8RF
Opening hours – Monday to Friday 0800hrs – 2200hrs. Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 0900hrs – 2200hrs.
Telephone – 020 8383 0904
Charing Cross NHS Walk-in Centre website
Parsons Green NHS Walk-in Centre
5-7 Parsons Green, Fulham, SW6 4UL
Opening hours – Monday to Friday 0800hrs – 2000hrs.
Telephone – 020 8846 6758
Parsons Green NHS Walk-in Centre website
Teddington NHS Walk-in Centre
Teddington Memorial Hospital, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0JL
Opening hours – Monday to Friday 0800hrs – 2200hrs. Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 0800hrs – 2100hrs.
Telephone – 020 8714 4004
Teddington NHS Walk-in Centre website
