Is it an emergency?

It is critical that our Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments are able to help the patients who really need them.

Many people visit A&E when they could have been seen by a different healthcare professional. By finding the right person to talk to, you will get the most appropriate treatment for your child.

Before going to A&E, think about whether you should visit:

• A pharmacy – this can be a quick way of accessing medical help and advice for your child as you don’t need an appointment and you can speak to your pharmacist in confidence.
• Your GP – if it is a condition that your pharmacist cannot treat, or for diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, medical examinations and referral to specialist services, visit your GP.
• A walk-in service – you do not need an appointment to take your child to an urgent care centre, minor injuries unit or walk-in centre.
• A dentist – emergency dental care services are available for children in pain requiring emergency treatment.

If you still need to go to A&E

Remember that A&E should only be used in extreme circumstances – if it’s a serious or life-threatening situation. If you access A&E inappropriately, you may be turned away and directed to another NHS service.

An emergency might include:

• Suspected meningitis
• Suspected broken bones
• Breathing difficulties
• Sudden and severe headaches
• Severe burns
• Severe injuries requiring hospital treatment.