Can I go directly to A and E?

Your local A&E will still accept walk-in patients; however, please only go to A&E if you, or someone with you, needs immediate care for something that is very serious. This includes breathing difficulties, chest pain, life-threatening injuries or loss of consciousness.

When should you go to A&E with an infection?

A doctor will diagnose severe sepsis if one or more of the following symptoms occur in a patient with sepsis:

  • Patches of discoloured skin.
  • Decreased urine output.
  • Changes in mental ability.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Disrupted heart function.
  • Low body temperature.
  • Unconsciousness.
  • Extreme lethargy and weakness.

Should I go to the A&E?

Sudden and severe shortness of breath. Blurred vision. Severe burns. Significant head injuries.

What is the best time to attend A&E?

Patients who arrived between 8am and 10am generally spent the shortest amount of time in A&E, with 16% of patients who arrived between 8am and 9am spending one hour or less seeking treatment. Of those who arrived between 9am and 10am, 90% spent four or hours or less at A&E.

When should I go to A&E for abdominal pain?

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if: your stomach ache came on very suddenly or is severe. it hurts when you touch your stomach. you’re vomiting blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee. your poo is bloody or black and sticky and extremely smelly.

Is urgent care the same as A&E?

Urgent care centers can treat most conditions at A&E, but when you have the feeling that the situation could be quite dangerous, it is wiser to head directly to the emergency room. Urgent care is for minor, while the ER is for major medical issues.

Why are A&E waiting times so long?

High levels of hospital bed occupancy, delays in transferring patients out of hospital, and staff shortages throughout the urgent and emergency care system have all had an impact on A&E waiting times over recent years.

Can I call 111 just for advice?

NHS 111 can help when you need medical help or advice fast – but it’s not an emergency. The 111 online service can also help if you’re not sure what to do.