There are many contacts for you before you make the decision to attend A+E – for minor problems eg coughs and colds please go to your local pharmacy who will be able to help you. There is no charge if you do not have to pay for prescriptions and it may be cheaper than paying for a prescription remember each item is £9.00 on prescription.

Your GP (doctors surgery) should be used for advice or appointments and there are other local services provided. Call 111 if your surgery is closed or go to the Walk in Centre at Barking Hospital who will also treat and advise you for some ailments/problems. The HUB service is for patients to book appointments when they cannot be seen in their own surgery.

If you have a chronic disease eg COPD in emergency your local Community Treatment Team can be contacted.

If you have ongoing problems we can refer you to a local team who can assess and try to help you.

Remember Accident and Emergency is for patients who are really not well enough to be treated at home or for Accidents that cannot be treated by your doctor