Urgent Care Near Bexleyheath: A&E, Urgent Treatment Centres and NHS 111

This guide explains the NHS's own advice on which service to use and names the local urgent treatment centre. It is not medical advice. If you think someone's life is at risk, call 999.

When should I call 999?

The NHS says to call 999 for life-threatening emergencies such as serious road traffic accidents, strokes and heart attacks. Its 999 page sends anyone unsure of the severity to NHS 111.

When should I go to A&E?

The NHS says A&E (accident and emergency) is for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies, and that A&E departments are open 24 hours a day. Its A&E page says not to drive yourself there if you are seriously unwell: ask someone to drive you, or call 999 for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take. Which hospital is closest depends on where you live and what is wrong, so the ambulance crew or NHS 111 will advise if you are unsure.

What is NHS 111?

NHS 111 is the NHS's first point of contact when it is not a 999 emergency but you need help and are not sure where to go. It can tell you what to do next. You can use NHS 111 online or call 111.

What is an urgent treatment centre?

The NHS describes urgent treatment centres (UTCs) as the place for urgent but non-life-threatening problems that cannot wait for a GP. It lists common problems as sprains, suspected fractures, injuries, stomach issues, skin infections, fever, mental health concerns and emergency contraception. UTCs can carry out tests such as ECGs and blood tests and X-rays, and arrange prescriptions. You may be able to book an appointment or an arrival time through NHS 111 online, and you do not need to be registered with a GP or to have a fixed address. Waits can happen if the centre is busy. See the NHS UTC page.

Where is the local urgent treatment centre?

Bexley has two urgent care centres. The NHS's service page for the Urgent Care Centre at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup (Frognal Avenue, DA14 6LT) lists it as open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust's Erith and District Hospital page says the Urgent Care Centre at Erith is open 365 days a year, 8am to 10pm, with the last patient booked in at 8pm. Services and operators can change, so confirm opening hours and whether the centre is open to walk-ins through NHS 111 before you travel. Sidcup has its own guide site at sidcup.co.

Does Bexley have a hospital for stroke care?

NHS South East London and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust announced that from 2 December 2024, people in Bexley with a suspected stroke are taken to Darent Valley Hospital, which has a hyper-acute stroke unit, as set out on the NHS South East London announcement. If you suspect a stroke, call 999 and do not drive yourself.

What about minor problems?

For conditions such as a sore throat or an infected insect bite, a pharmacist may be able to help without an appointment. See our pharmacies guide. For ongoing problems, see our GP surgeries guide.