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When to attend the Emergency Department

Do I need to go to the ED or call an ambulance on 112?

Patients who are seriously ill or injured or worried that their life is in danger should always attend the ED where they will be treated as a priority.

Less acutely unwell patients can somtimes expect long waiting times in our ED and are asked to first consider their local injury units, GPs, out-of-hours GP services and pharmacists before attending ED.

Choose the right service for you

EDs deal with life-threatening emergencies. For example, if someone:

  • is breathless
  • is feeling unwell and getting sicker very quickly
  • has not peed in over 12 hours and does not need to pee
  • is not feeling well and has become confused and agitated
  • is very pale with cold hands and feet
  • is dizzy when they sit up or unable to stand
  • has developed a rash that does not disappear when pressed down 

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