Urgent care south west Essex services help residents access the right treatment quickly if they need medical help. This includes NHS 111, urgent treatment centres, GP out-of-hours services and emergency care for serious or life-threatening conditions.
When to use urgent care in south west Essex
If you are unsure which service you need, use NHS 111 first.
You can:
- Visit 111.nhs.uk
- Call 111
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Trained advisers will assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate service. They can also arrange urgent GP appointments if needed.
When to call 999 or attend A&E
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if someone:
- Is not breathing
- Has chest pain or signs of a heart attack
- Shows signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems)
- Has severe bleeding that will not stop
- Has a serious head injury
- Has a life-threatening illness or injury
- Has lost consciousness
If you think someone’s life is at risk, do not delay — call 999.
More examples are available on the NHS website.
Emergency departments serving south west Essex
If you need emergency hospital care, the main A&E departments serving south west Essex are:
Basildon and Thurrock Hospital
Basildon and Thurrock Hospital provides 24-hour emergency care for residents in and around Basildon and Brentwood.
Queen’s Hospital, Romford
For some residents living in south west Essex, Queen’s Hospital in Romford is often the closest A&E department.
Patients attending an emergency department are assessed and treated based on clinical need. This means those with the most serious or life-threatening conditions will be seen first, regardless of arrival time.
Other urgent care services in south west Essex
Many urgent health problems can be treated outside A&E.
Community pharmacies
Pharmacies can help with:
- Minor illnesses
- Rashes and allergies
- Coughs and colds
- Medicines advice
You do not need an appointment.
Urgent treatment centres and minor injury services
These services can treat urgent but non-life-threatening problems, such as:
- Minor fractures, sprains and strains
- Cuts and burns
- Infections
- Eye and skin problems
Access may be by walk-in or through NHS 111, depending on location.
Find your nearest urgent treatment or minor injuries unitOut-of-hours GP services
If you need urgent medical advice when your GP practice is closed, NHS 111 can arrange:
- Telephone or video consultations
- Face-to-face appointments
- Home visits (for people too unwell to travel)
Choosing the right service helps you get treated faster.