Our Emergency Departments (ED) look after patients with serious, life-threatening conditions.
The departments can get extremely busy, especially during winter and the peak of summer. Many people come to ED who could access more appropriate treatment through other healthcare professionals and services. Our team have to prioritise care for those who urgently need it most, meaning those with less urgent illness and injury can have a long wait to be seen.
Help us help you and consider whether you can access healthcare services elsewhere before you come to our Emergency Department. You could also visit:
Your local Pharmacy
Pharmacists are trained medical professionals who can give you advice on minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds or upset stomachs. If you are feeling under the weather speak to your pharmacist who will be able to help you self-care, or just stock up your medicine cabinet so you can treat illness at the very first signs.
Your GP
GPs are highly skilled doctors that look after a wide range of health issues. Your GP should be your first point of contact for illnesses that cannot be treated yourself or with the advice of a pharmacist. GPs surgeries are generally open Monday to Friday, but you can now access appointments on evenings and weekends too.
NHS 111
If you need to be seen urgently or need advice on the best service to use, you can call 111 for free or access it online at 111.nhs.uk. 111 advisors can arrange appointments for you to be seen by a doctor or give you helpful advice.
Urgent Treatment Centre
You can go to the Urgent Treatment Centre if you have an illness or injury which is urgent, but not life-threatening for advice and treatment without the need for an appointment.
