Local Services

Directory of Local Self Care Support Groups

As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment. Before you do, remember that you can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. We suggest you keep the following:

•  Paracetamol
•  Mild laxatives
•  Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
•  Rehydration mixture
•  Indigestion remedy ( for example, antacids )
•  Travel sickness tablets
•  Sunscreen – SPF 15 or higher
•  Sunburn treatment ( for example calamine )
•  Tweezers and sharp scissors
•  A thermometer
•  A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings.

Remember

• Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
• Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
• Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
• Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy

Your local Pharmacist

Your local pharmacist will be able to give you free health advice at any time – you don’t need an appointment. Many pharmacies operate extended hours on a rota basis. Call NHS Direct for details.

Sevenoaks Phlebotomy Service

This service is based at Sevenoaks Hospital and is now strictly BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Please call the surgery on 01959 523929 to book a timed appointment for your blood test. You will require your NHS No. when attending the appointment.

Local Minor Injuries Unit

There is a local Minor Injuries Unit based at Sevenoaks Hospital. It is open from 08:00 to 20:00.

Minor Injuries Unit
Sevenoaks Hospital
Hospital Road
Sevenoaks
Kent
01732 470202 / 203

Local NHS Walk-in Centre

You can also access treatment for minor injuries and illnesses at an NHS walk-in centre. Details of the nearest walk-in centres are listed below :

Maidstone NHS Walk-In Centre
Maidstone Hospital
Hermitage Lane
Maidstone
Kent
ME16 9QQ

Edridge Road  NHS Walk-In Centre
Impact House
2 Edridge Road
Croydon
Surrey
CR9 1PJ

NHS Direct

NHS Direct offers free expert health information and advice 24 hours a day on 0845 46 47 or at their website, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk which also offers an enquiry service. For deaf people and those hard of hearing, a telephone service is available on 0845 606 4647. If English is not your preferred language, you can choose to use a confidential translation service

Accident and Emergency/ 999

What ever the day or time, if you or someone else experiences severe chest pain, a stroke, loss of blood or suspected broken bones, go to your nearest accident and emergency department or call 999. Accident and emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can assess serious injuries and provide emergency treatment.

The local Accident and Emergency Departments are at :

Princess Royal University Hospital
Farnborough Common
Orpington
Kent
BR6 8ND

Telephone : 01689 863000

Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Tonbridge Road
Pembury
Tunbridge Wells
TN2 4QJ
Telephone : 0845 155 1000