A and E Alternatives: Where You Should Go to When It Isn’t an Emergency

As pressures within the health system intensify, and the accidents and emergency departments are struggling to cope with the increasing pressure, finding the right place to go when you become ill or sustain minor fractures and injuries may be quite confusing.

While the majority may be familiar with the vast array of services offered by the A&E departments in most health systems, quite a number of homeowners are barely aware of the services this department offers. This can be explained by the large number of patients always trooping in and out of the A&E department even when they have mild medical conditions that can be treated by most walk in centres. However, while this department can be seen close to virtually every walk in centres or local private walk in clinic in London, their major duty is to deal with genuine life-threatening emergencies like the following:

Ø Severe allergic reactions

Ø Severe burns

Ø Loss of consciousness

Ø Stroke

Ø Major trauma like road or traffic accidents

Ø Chest pains

Ø Breathing problems

Less severe injuries and medical conditions can be easily treated in most walk-in centres. Since we are aware of the level of confusion that most patients are faced with when looking for an alternative to A & E, we decided to make the search easier, by providing a quick list to help you select the right place for mild and less severe injury or ailment.

Depending on your medical and health condition, the following are a few alternatives to A&E that you can consider.

General Practitioner (GP)
If you have any emergency health conditions that are barely life-threatening, you should consider visiting a general practitioner. They are trained generalists that can proffer solution to almost any health problems. Some London GP walk in centres has working systems that can easily deal with any health problems you may have. If you have urgent health conditions that require immediate attention, you can quickly locate a local private walk in clinic in London.

Pharmacies
No doubt, the benefits of local pharmacies have been greatly and continuously neglected in the health system. Although they might not be suitable for just any medical conditions, they are sure a great solution to some common ailments like colds, rashes and cough. A small supply of repeat medicines and other emergency contraception are not left out as well. Your pharmacist or chemist can proffer health advice and remedies to mitigate against mild health conditions, without having to schedule a prior appointment with the pharmacist.

Generally, the Following Services Can Be Provided With the Help of Your Local Pharmacy

Ø Emergency contraception

Ø Increased temperature

Ø skin infections

Ø Rashes

Ø Allergic reactions

Ø Conjunctivitis

Ø Emergency repeat prescription service, and

Ø Other mild health conditions

Self-Care
This is one of the easiest and quick ways to treat mild and common illness and injuries like coughs and colds, sore throats, headaches, and constipation.

With a range of medicines and a first aid kit, you can easily attend to the above-listed health conditions. You can also do this by having a chat with your local pharmacist who can provide you with useful advice on what medications to use. If you are not better after two days, ensure you contact your GP or doctor for advice.

Minor Injury Unit
These are more suitable for patients willing to treat minor injuries like

Ø Sprains

Ø Broken vibes

Ø Wound infections

Ø Minor head injuries

Ø Back pain, and

Ø Minor burns and scalds
You can easily locate any local private walk in clinic in London offering treatment for minor injuries.

Out of Hours Alternatives to A&E

If you have any health condition between 6:30 pm-8 am, from Monday to Friday; 6:30 pm Friday to 8 am Monday, and public holidays, then you should consider the following alternatives to A&E:

NHS 111

This is a new free telephone service introduced to ensure easy access to health and social care services when they are urgently needed.

If you notice any health issues between these hours, and you are clueless about what to do, you can easily get across to your GP surgery via phone call. This will provide you with the available options in your local area. For some locations in London, you may be directed to contact the 24-hour national NHS 111 helpline. Since your local NHS 111 has access to information on all the local health services available in your locality, you will be referred to the one that certainly suits your health condition.

Out of Hours GP
Local out of hours GPs can be seen in virtually all areas of the country. With the help of NHS 111 services, you can easily contact your local GP service directly.

In some cases, your health conditions can be managed through telephone advice, depending on how severe or mild your health conditions are.

Walk In Centres
Although not all health authorities may offer these services, it is certainly beneficial for patients looking for alternatives to A&E. Valuable health services can be easily provided to both registered and unregistered patients, as well as patients who may be finding it difficult to locate their own GP services. Walk-in centres are usually open 365 days a year, and sometimes 20–24 hours a day. Just as the name implies, you do not need a prior appointment with the doctor; you can walk in and get your treatment.

They proffer a wide range of health solutions to patients, including emergency contraception, sprains, bruises, cuts, etc. In most cases, these centres are often located close to A&E departments, so that patients are easily referred to these centres if they have an urgent health need, but do not require the services of an A&E.

Dental Surgeries

If you have toothache within these hours and are not registered with a dentist, it is best to call NHS 111 for details on where to access a dental care clinic within your locality

Need more information? Call us today on 02070968853