Emergency Care
Choose Well – Get the Right Care
If you need medical help, the NHS is here for you. Choosing the right service means you’ll get the help you need quickly and helps keep Emergency Departments free for those who need them most.
We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right service for your needs. By knowing where to go, you’ll get the right advice, support and treatment as quickly as possible.
Self- care:
Many minor illnesses and injuries can be treated at home with rest and a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
Examples:
- coughs and colds
- sore throat
- small cuts
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Pharmacy:
Your local pharmacist is an expert in medicines and can help with a range of common conditions. No appointment needed.
What can a pharmacist help with?
- coughs, colds and flu
- sore throat
- earache
- skin rashes and allergies
- stomach upsets (constipation, diarrhoea)
- impetigo
- sinusitis
- minor injuries and aches
- advice on healthy living and repeat prescriptions
Benefits of visiting your pharmacy:
- no appointment needed
- private consultation rooms available
- quick advice and signposting if you need more care
Find your nearest pharmacy via https://www.nhs.uk/service-search
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GP Practice – for non-urgent care:
Your GP teamcan help with persistent or recurring problems and long-term conditions.
Examples:
- persistent cough
- unexplained weight loss
- ongoing fatigue
- changes in bowel habits
- skin changes or new moles
- high fever
GP practices also offer access to nurses and other specialists for vaccinations, screenings and chronic condition management.
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NHS 111 – For urgent advice:
Not sure what to do? Call 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk.
Available 24/7, NHS 111 can:
- give self-care advice
- arrange appointments with GPs, pharmacies or urgent treatment centres
- book you into A&E if needed
- help with dental or mental health issues
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Urgent Treatment Centres:
For injuries or illnesses that need attention but aren’t life-threatening.
Examples:
- sprains and strains
- minor burns
- cuts and wound infections
- minor head injuries
- suspected broken bones
Access via NHS 111 for an appointment.
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A&E and 999 – For life-threatening emergencies only:
Go to A&E or call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
Examples:
Emergencies in adults:
- loss of consciousness
- a sudden confused state
- fits that are not stopping
- chest pain
- breathing difficulties
- severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- severe burns or scalds
- stroke
- major trauma such as a road traffic collision
- feelings of self-harm or suicide
Emergencies in children:
- seizure or fit
- choking
- difficulty breathing
- unable to stay awake
- blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, tongue or lips
- limp and floppy, unresponsive
- heavy bleeding
- severe injuries
- signs of a stroke
- sudden rapid swelling
- sudden confusion
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What to expect when you attend A&E?
When you attend A&E you will be asked to sign in at reception. Once booked in, you will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area until a triage nurse calls you through and assesses you.
If you are not deemed to need emergency care, you will be advised on the most appropriate place to go: this may be with your GP, a dentist or at a pharmacy.
Our team prioritise patients based on their clinical need, which may mean that people who arrive after you are seen first.
Finding local services
Not sure where your nearest pharmacy, dentist or GP practice is? Find out now via the NHS Choices service directory - Find services near you - NHS