Attending A&E

Examples of when it is right and appropriate to attend A&E without delay are:

• Major injuries such as injuries from road traffic accidents.
• Falls from a considerable height.
• Major Head injuries.
• Collapse.
• Severe breathing difficulty.
• Severe chest pain.
• Severe haemorrhage.
• Poisoning.
• Extensive burns.

Examples of when it is not appropriate to attend A&E:

• Flu-like illnesses, coughs, earache, backache.
• Sore throats.
• Abdominal pain (unless extreme or associated with collapse).
• Urinary difficulties (unless completely unable to pass water).
• Vaginal bleeding (unless very heavy and associated with faintness).
• Rashes (unless it appears like spontaneous bleeding under the skin or the person appears very unwell).
• Backache.
• Diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Simple bites and stings.
• Social problems.
• Emergency contraception.
• Dental problems (except major trauma).

Such conditions can generally be managed by your GP, Nurse Practitioner, Practice Nurse, Pharmacist and in some cases the individual themselves.

General Practice

We urge patients to avoid unnecessary use of A&E contacting the practice first. We are open between 8.00am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday. Extended hours are on Mondays ,Tuesdays & Wednesdays where we provide booked appointments 6.30-8.00pm with the Doctor and Tuesdays a nurse is available till 8.00pm.

Patients who need to see a Doctor that day will always be seen.   

Out of hours NHS 111 can provide assistance for urgent medical problems or assistance with the treatment of minor illnesses and injuries.

FIND OUT MORE

Internet advice click here for help signposting you to local services.