Where to go for care
Find out where to go for medical advice and treatment if you are feeling unwell or have had an accident.
In an emergency: when to call 999 or go to A&E
Always call 999 immediately if you or somebody else has a life-threatening injury or illness. An ambulance crew will begin treating you as soon as they arrive and they will then take you to the most appropriate place for your condition, this could be A&E, a specialist centre or an urgent care centre (UCC).
All A&E departments use a priority system where the most seriously ill patients are seen first. In A&E you will be seen by specialist doctors and nurses who are trained to manage life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
- When to go to an urgent treatment centre (UTC)
UTCs should be used when a condition is urgent enough that you cannot wait for a GP appointment (usually 48 hours) but you do not need emergency treatment at an A&E. UTCs are run by experienced GPs and nurses with skills in urgent care.
If you go to the UTC and your condition is life-threatening, you will be transferred immediately by emergency ambulance to the most appropriate A&E nearby, or to the most relevant specialist service, such as the heart attack centre at Hammersmith Hospital. If you go to the UTC and you don’t need urgent care, you may be referred to your local GP, or other services such as the pharmacy or dental service.
- When to call 111
You should call the NHS 111 service if you need medical advice fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency. You will be assessed, given advice and directed to the local service that can help you best.
Calls to NHS 111 are free from landlines and mobile phones. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- When to go to the GP
If you have a condition that has been present for two or three days, or is only a minor problem, then it may be more appropriate to make an appointment with your GP.
- Where to go for care in north west London
The NHS in north west London offers a quick guide to health services in our area. Visit their website to find your nearest urgent treatment centre or A&E.
- What to do if you have a long-term health problem
If you have a long-term health problem that suddenly gets worse use your patient passport and call 999.
- Urgent gynaecology or early pregnancy problems
If you are bleeding, in pain or have a suspected infection please contact the emergency gynaecology service at St Mary’s Hospital or Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital.
- Women in labour
Read more about what to do if you believe you are in established labour.
- If you have been raped or sexually assaulted
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted you can get specialist medical and emotional support by making an appointment with The Havens. The Havens is run by King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
- Where to go if you live in Westminster and you are struggling to find the care you need
- Staying well this winter
NHS north west London has created a hub for resources that can help you stay well this winter. This includes information about where you can get Covid-19 and flu vaccines, how you can quickly access mental health support and much more.
Visit NHS north west London’s website for more information, including essential resources translated into several languages.
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