Which Service Do I Need?

 

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Accident and emergency departments are for serious or life- threatening illnesses and injuries – please keep them free for those who really need them.

Here is a basic guide to local healthcare options that might help you cope with common household medical problems and accidents:

Self Care

Keep the basics in your medicine cabinet: painkillers for most minor aches and pains, antihistamines for dealing with allergies/insect bites, anti-diarrhoea tablets, indigestion remedies for heartburn or trapped wind, sunscreen of at least Factor 15 and a first aid kit (bandages, plasters, thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings, tweezers and medical tape. Ask your pharmacist for more details and always follow the directions

 

Pharmacist

From sprains to stomach upsets, your local pharmacist is qualified to give expert advice without an appointment

 

NHS Direct

People who are unwell when GP services are closed are asked to call NHS Direct, a service able to give advice and details of local services if needed. Call 24 hours a day on 0845 4647 for free expert health advice and reassurance, or visit NHS Direct online

 

GP Surgery

For jabs, prescriptions, medical advice and care, phone for an appointment with your doctor or practice nurse

People who need urgent GP or nurse care while their own surgery is closed can contact South East Health on 03000 242424. South East Health provides urgent access to GP services from 6.30pm to 8am, Monday to Friday and 24 hours at weekends and bank holidays. South East Health will see you even if you are not registered with a GP practice

 

Minor Injuries Unit

See an experienced nurse for treatment of minor injuries seven days a week, early till late. Minor injuries can be treated at the Minor Injuries Units in Deal and Whitstable. Deal is open 8am to 6pm every day and is at Victoria Hospital, London Road, Deal, CT14 9UA (01304 865400). Whitstable is open 8am to 8pm every day – including weekends – and is at Estuary View Medical Centre, Boorman Way, Whitstable, CT5 3SE (01227 284300)

 

Emotional Support

Anyone needing confidential emotional support can call the Mental Health Matters helpline on 0800 107 0160, 24 hours a day

 

Dental Treatment

Anyone needing emergency dental treatment should phone DentaLine on 01634 890300 between 8.30am and 1.30pm or 6pm and 11pm

 

Sexual Health

Confidential and non-judgemental access to sexual health services and advice information on locations, dates, times of clinics, emergency and general contraceptive services 01303 228808

 

Medication

Anyone who needs to renew a prescription should do so in plenty of time to ensure they don’t run out. This is especially important for people with long term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, epilepsy or people with chronic pain conditions.

 

A&E or 999

Call 999 or visit A&E for emergencies such as loss of consciousness, severe chest pain or serious accidents