Should I go to A&E?

A&E departments are for genuine life-threatening emergencies, such as:

  • 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

If you or someone around you is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call 999.

Less severe injuries can be treated in Minor Injuries Units. Find out more about these by clicking the link below.

Not sure where to go?

 

If you are feeling ill or have sustained a minor injury, but aren’t sure which service is best suited to help you, you can contact 111 to be directed to the appropriate service for your particular needs.

You can contact 111 in non-life-threatening situations. You will be asked questions about your symptoms in order to work out exactly what help you need, and then pointed in the right direction.

If you need to go to A&E, NHS 111 will book an arrival time for you. This may mean you spend less time in A&E, and can also help to ensure social distancing for vulnerable patients.  

They may be able to arrange for you to speak to an out-of-hours GP if you need one, and can book an appointment for this, too.

You can get help from NHS 111 online or by calling 111. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – so there is always advice there if you need it.