Emergency care

Many patients who attend A&E can be seen by alternative NHS services such as GP, pharmacy and dentists. If you require urgent but not emergency advice use NHS 111 by telephone or online.

A&E (Accident and Emergency)

A&E (accident and emergency) departments assess and treat patients with life threatening serious injuries or illnesses. You should visit A&E or call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, such as:

• loss of consciousness
• acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
• persistent, severe chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• severe bleeding that cannot be stopped

If you need an ambulance call 999.

Major A&E departments offer access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Where's my closest A&E?

Opening hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.