Patient Choice
When you are unwell please make sure you choose the service that best fits with your illness or injury, so that people who are very sick have a greater chance to get the care they need to get better.
If you feel ill with a cold, stomach upset, or a minor injury and it’s not serious try treating yourself at home first.
Contact NHS Direct and ask them for advice if you are not feeling better.
You could also call or visit your local pharmacy. Your local pharmacist has a lot of knowledge about medicines and minor illnesses and can advise you on the steps you can take.
If you have tried to treat yourself and you are still not better you should make an appointment to see your doctor at your GP practice. All the doctors at your local GP practice are highly trained and can treat you. You can also go to the GP-led walk in service at Vicarage Lane Health Centre at 10 Vicarage Lane, Stratford, E15 4ES.
If it is more critical you can go to the Urgent Care Centre at Newham University Hospital NHS Trust .
Please avoid using the A&E service so it can respond promptly to people who are in the greatest need. Then everyone will receive the help they need more effectively.
Choose and book
If your GP has referred you to hospital for a specialist opinion, you can choose to be seen at any hospital in the country with an appointment at the time you choose.
If your GP does not offer you a choice of where to go please ask them about patient choice. Your GP will use an electronic system called Choose and Book to refer you. You will either be asked to contact the hospital directly giving your confidential PIN number or you may be able to arrange an appointment while you are at your GP practice.
For more information including waiting times, the quality of services and what patients think of the hospital go to the NHS Choices website.