Unsure where to seek medical advice when your surgery is closed?

We have put together this information to help you decide the best option if you, or a family member, become unwell when the surgery is closed.

NHS Direct

• Call 0845 4647 for confidential medical advice 24 hours a day. Speak to them if you are feeling ill and are unsure of what to do. You can also look on the internet at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk which contains information on a wide range of ailments and treatment advice.

The Practice Website

• This website has useful advice on a range of common illnesses.

Out of Hours Service 

GRABADOC is the Greenwich and Bexley Association of Doctors on Call providing a range of OUT of HOURS medical services to all residents in the Greenwich and Bexley areas, and covers a service for the Lakeside Medical Practice when our Health Centre is closed. GRABADOC is staffed entirely by GPs who work locally and know the area well. The Out of Hours service includes evenings after 6:30pm, throughout the night, weekends and Bank Holidays, so there is always a GP on call if you need help.

The direct telephone number for GRABADOC is 020 8319 3030 but you can ring the Lakeside number 08444 778966 where the telephone message can transfer you automatically to the Out of Hours service.

It operates from its base at 394 Shooters Hill Road and also runs short weekend clinics at Northumberland Heath.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

When you call GRABADOC a receptionist will take the patient details, date of birth and some details of the medical problem, any medication being taken and any special information the GP should know about the patient. It is very important that you have this information available.

You will either then be put straight through to a Doctor in urgent cases or more often a GP will call you back.

The GP has many ways to help you after hearing your medical problem. He/she can:-

1. Give advice
2. Suggest an over the counter remedy available from the chemist
3. Suggest a base or clinic visit (please call first as it is not a walk-in service)
4. Arrange a home visit
5. Arrange an ambulance transfer

REMEMBER the GP must have details of all medication being taken by the patient.

Transport

 This is the responsibility of the patient or their family if the GP suggests you visit one of the GRABADOC bases to be seen.  If you do not have your own transport it is wise to keep some money aside for cab fares in an emergency.

Accident and Emergency

• The Accident and Emergency facilities at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is open 24 hours a day. This Department is for the treatment of serious illness or life threatening injuries. 

It is worth considering the various options before going to your local Accident and Emergency Department. If your illness can be dealt with by another route, such as GRABADOC, you will probably be treated quickly and by the right healthcare professional.

The Practice website guides you through self-help for treating common illnesses at home

• Vomiting
• Insect Bites & Stings
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Diarrhoea
• Stuffy / Runny Nose
• Burns and Scalds
• Stomach Ache
• Sprains
• Nosebleeds
• Minor Cuts & Grazes
• Sunburn
• Back Pain

Welcome to the Lakeside Medical Practice - 08444 778966

New Local Numbers: 020 8320 5567  8320 5571  8320 5572