At Bluebird Care Swale, we know that finding the right support at the right time can make all the difference. Whether you're caring for a loved one who has just come out of hospital, managing a sudden illness, or simply unsure where to turn, it helps to know what’s available locally.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to essential services in Swale — including urgent care, rapid response teams, pharmacies, and support after hospital discharge. These services work hand-in-hand with our home care to help you and your family stay safe, informed, and supported.

🚨 Swale Rapid Response Team: Urgent Care at Home

The Swale Rapid Response Service offers urgent short-term support to help people stay safe and well at home, avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions. This nurse-led team can be contacted via a GP, hospital, or community referral and aims to respond within just two hours. Whether someone has just been discharged or is experiencing a health concern at home, the team provides immediate care and monitoring. It’s an essential safety net while longer-term arrangements are being made.

🏥 Faversham Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC)

Open every day from 8am to 8pm, including weekends and bank holidays, the Faversham Urgent Treatment Centre is a walk-in facility offering treatment for minor illnesses and injuries without an appointment. From sprains and rashes to infections and burns, it provides fast, professional care for issues that don’t require A&E. Located at Faversham Health Centre on Bank Street, it's ideal for residents across Sittingbourne, Faversham and surrounding villages.

🩺 Sheppey GP Walk-In Clinic

For those living closer to the Isle of Sheppey, the GP Walk-In Clinic at Sheppey Community Hospital is a trusted option for everyday health concerns. You can turn up without an appointment to see a GP or nurse for issues like sore throats, high temperatures, or minor infections. NHS 111 can advise on current opening times and expected wait times.

🧠 Medway & Swale Mental Health Rapid Response

If you or a loved one is facing a mental health crisis, the Medway and Swale Home Treatment and Rapid Response Team can help. Available 24/7 for urgent response and 8am to 9:30pm for scheduled visits, this team provides psychiatric and emotional support in the safety of your own home. From anxiety and depression to more severe mental health needs, they offer compassionate care and an alternative to hospital admission.

💊 Pharmachem Pharmacies & NHS Pharmacy First

Your local pharmacist can often be the quickest way to get help. Pharmachem (formerly Delmergate) pharmacies in Sittingbourne, Sheerness and Minster are part of the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, meaning they can treat common conditions like ear infections, UTIs in women, impetigo and sinusitis without needing to see a GP. They also provide blood pressure checks, travel vaccines, emergency contraception and free advice.

💙 We’re Here to Support You

At Bluebird Care Swale, we’re proud to work alongside local health and care services to support our community. Whether you’re exploring care options, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for advice, we’re here to help you make sense of what’s available.

Call our friendly team on 01795 422200 or visit www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/swale to learn more.