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Health and well-being
Emergency healthcare
Before you find yourself in a situation where medical treatment, help or advice is needed urgently, it helps to be prepared. This article will enable you to find out what is classed as an emergency, the types of services on offer and which one is best suited to your needs.
Do you need an emergency service?
It's important to understand what is an emergency. Find out whether you could use self-help methods or whether a situation is classed as an emergency from the NHS Direct website.
Choosing the right emergency service
It's important to choose an emergency service that gives you the right treatment. If you're not sure what to do, you can call NHS Direct for advice on 0845 4647.
Ambulance service - dial 999
If it's obvious that you or someone else needs emergency treatment, dial 999, free from any public or private telephone, and ask for the ambulance service.
Accident and emergency departments
Most major hospitals have a 24-hour accident and emergency (A&E) department where you can turn up without making an appointment.
You may have to wait, even if your injuries are serious, before being seen by a doctor or nurse. How long you wait will depend on:
- how busy the department is
- how serious other patients' conditions are
- whether your condition will get worse if left
You can find information about your nearest A&E department using the NHS Choices search.
Minor injuries units
Minor injuries units are for patients with less serious injuries, like sprains, cuts and grazes. The waiting times are usually much shorter than those in A&E and you don't need an appointment.
NHS walk-in centres
If you have a minor illness or injury, you may be able to visit an NHS walk-in centre. You don't need an appointment.
The opening times may vary, but most centres are open from around 7.00 am to 10.00 pm Monday to Friday, and 9.00 am to 10.00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Out-of-hours doctor
Some GP surgeries provide an out-of-hours service, between 6.30 pm and 8.00 am on weekdays, and all weekend and on bank holidays. Your doctor's surgery or receptionist can give you the contact details for this service.
If your surgery doesn't provide an out-of-hours service, your Primary Care Trust (PCT) will provide a local service. You can find your PCT's contact details on NHS Choices.
Dental treatment
Few dental emergencies require out-of-hours intervention, but if it is needed your local Primary Care Trust (PCT) will have made appropriate arrangements. Any dental care service provided by them will only be for cases requiring urgent treatment that cannot wait until the next working day on which a dental practice is open.
You can find more information on your local PCT's website or by contacting NHS Direct.
Contraception
If you have had unprotected sex and wish to get emergency contraception, also called the 'morning after pill', you can get this from either a doctor's surgery, a local Family Planning Clinic or a pharmacist.
Mental health
If you:
- are having emotional or mental problems that are of immediate concern
- need to talk to someone about another person's behaviour, at any time of the night or day
you can call either:
- NHS Direct on 0845 4647 to talk to a trained nurse
- Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 to talk to a trained volunteer
To find out more about mental health, you will need to talk to a doctor, nurse, social worker or care coordinator.
National health incidents
In the event of a major health incident, for example caused by a terrorist attack, heatwave or flu pandemic, the Preparing for Emergencies website provides information on how you can help yourself and your family in an emergency.
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