Fire
In case of fire: Get Out. Stay Out. Call 999.
Police
If it’s an emergency, such as a crime is currently happening, call 999.
If it is not an emergency, but you still want to talk to the police, call 101 (free, 24 hours a day). Note that 101 can transfer the call to 999 if it is an emergency.
Ambulance
If you, or someone you are with requires emergency medical attention, call 999.
If in doubt, could the person get worse if you don’t call 999? If you think that is a possibility, call 999.
If it’s not an emergency, call NHS direct on 111 (free, 24 hours a day). They can give you medical advice, assess the situation, and call an ambulance if one’s needed.
Other options
- Look after yourself or the patient at home. If you cannot stay at home, see if family or friends are able to help.
- Talk to your local pharmacist.
- Visit or call your GP.
- Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
- Visit the NHS Choices website.
- Make your own way to your local A&E department or walk-in centre
- If you want to contact the Police and it’s a non-emergency, call 101
Local Accident and Emergency (A&E) Centre
Royal Berkshire Hospital
Address: London Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5AN
Tel: 0118 322 5111
Local walk-in health centre
Reading Walk-in Health Centre
Address: First floor, Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QA
Tel: 0118 902 8300
Smell gas?
If you think you have noticed a gas leak, get some fresh air immediately, and turn off the gas at the mains if you can. Call the National Gas Emergency number: 0800 111 999
Leaking water and burst pipes
If you see a leak or burst pipe in the street, you should report it to Thames Water, online or by calling 0800 714 614. Get further advice from Thames Water by visiting www.thameswater.co.uk
Power Cut or mains electrical damage
Whoever your electricity supplier is, you can call 105 (free, 24 hours a day).
Also call 105 if you see a damaged electrical overhead wire or substation.
See Power cut for more information
Veterinary services
We have a vets surgery in our area at 1 Tilehurst Road. See Castle Vets website at
www.castle-vets.co.uk
Vets Now is an emergency service provider that works alongside many vets in the Reading area to provide an out of hours emergency service for pets and injured animals, and it is based at Castle Vets. In an emergency, call 0118 959 4007