Urgent care 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 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 west Essex
If you need emergency hospital care, the main A&E departments serving west Essex are:
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow
Princess Alexandra Hospital provides 24-hour emergency care for residents in and around Harlow.
Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge
For residents living in and around Saffron Walden, Addenbrookes Hospital is often the closest emergency department.
Queen’s Hospital, Romford
For some residents living in Epping Forest, Queen’s Hospital in Romford may be the nearest emergency 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 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.