Alternatives to A&E

Our practice wants to help you receive the right care, in the right place, as quickly as possible.

Many conditions that patients attend A&E for can be treated more quickly by other NHS services such as your GP, NHS 111, a local pharmacist or an Urgent Treatment Centre.

A&E departments are designed to treat serious or life‑threatening emergencies. Using alternative services where appropriate often means you will be assessed and treated faster.

Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 6:30pm

Saturday 9:00am – 1pm (advance booking only)

Closed weekends and bank holidays

If the practice is closed and you need urgent medical advice or care, please contact NHS 111 (online or by phone).

If the condition is life‑threatening, call 999.

• Loss of consciousness
• Severe chest pain
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Heavy bleeding that will not stop
• A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Signs of a stroke (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech problems — act FAST)
• Severe burns or scalds
• A seizure or fit that is not stopping

For minor illnesses and injuries, you will usually be seen more appropriately at an Urgent Treatment Centre.

• Sprains and strains
• Minor burns
• Minor head injuries
• Cuts needing stitches
• Suspected broken bones

Sandwell Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre

Little Lane Entrance, West Bromwich, B71 4HJ

Open 9am – 9pm, 7 days a week

Summerfield Urgent Care Centre

134 Heath Street, Winson Green, Birmingham, B18 7AL

Open 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week

Call NHS 111 first – they can assess you and book an appointment if appropriate.

Your local community pharmacist can provide advice and treatment for many common conditions without needing a GP appointment.

• Sore throat
• Earache (children)
• Sinusitis
• Impetigo
• Infected insect bites
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated urinary infections in women

No appointment is needed — you can walk in.

GPs and A&E departments cannot provide dental treatment.

If you have toothache, swelling or a broken tooth, please contact a dentist.

If you do not have a dentist, call NHS 111 who can arrange urgent dental care.

• Ongoing health problems
• Medication reviews
• Fit notes
• Referrals
• Long‑term conditional care

Using the most appropriate NHS service helps ensure emergency departments are available for patients who need them most.