The emergency department is for serious or life threatening illness and injuries.
Keep our emergency department for those who need it
Unless your condition is life threatening, please don’t just turn up or walk in the emergency department (A&E).
Please think pharmacist, GP and NHS 111 online first and keep A&E for those who need it most.
If you do turn up, and you don’t need to be there – you may be redirected to a more appropriate service for your needs.
Adults are treated in the main emergency department and our paediatric emergency nurse practitioners provide services from the children’s emergency department. Younger patients have their own waiting area and treatment rooms but receive support and care from the main department medical team as necessary.
Patients with eye injuries should attend the eye emergency department at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
These combined services make our emergency department one of the largest in the north of England.
The emergency department provides immediate care for people with signs of serious and life threatening injuries and illness, such as:
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe burns or scald
What if I just turn up at A&E?
We advise everyone, who does not need emergency care, to visit NHS 111 online for advice.
If you do turn up, and you don’t need to be there – you may be redirected to a more appropriate service for your needs.
Crisis mental health support
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now call NHS 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support.
NHS 111 is available 24/7.
If you are deaf or have hearing loss please use NHS 111 – SignVideo or use the 18001 111 Relay UK app.
Don’t worry, local freephone crisis service numbers in your area will still be active for a while to make sure you always get the support you need, and are available 24/7. You can find a current list of local freephone crisis service numbers on the NHS North East and North Cumbria website.
