A&E isn't the only choice
Dr Ben Bloom, consultant in emergency medicines, explains how patients are prioritised and which services can help with common problems.
There are also simple steps you can take to stay well this winter, including keeping vaccinations up to date, staying warm and active, checking in on vulnerable neighbours and family, and ensuring prescriptions are stocked up early.
A&E is for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies
It's important that you don't delay seeking treatment when you need it. With access to the very latest therapies and treatments, and some of Britain's leading specialists, we are ready to care for you and your loved ones.
Please visit when to go to A&E. If you are not sure and need further advice, check your symptoms online.
Where to find us
How we assess and prioritise your care
After you register, you’ll have an initial assessment so we can understand your condition and prioritise care based on clinical need. This means some patients may be seen before you if they are more unwell or if they’re expected by a specialist team, even when this isn’t visible in the waiting area. Some of our sickest patients also arrive through separate entrances for immediate treatment.
After your assessment, you may be directed to the most appropriate service, such as the Urgent Treatment Centre, a community service or Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC). If you remain in the emergency department, you’ll be seen in either the adult or children’s area depending on your age.
24/7 urgent treatment and specialist adult emergency services
Our adult emergency departments care for people aged 18 and over, with support for 16–17‑year‑olds when appropriate. We treat a wide range of emergencies, including major injuries, stroke, medical and surgical conditions, and specialist needs such as kidney, gastroenterology, ENT, maxillofacial, plastic, urology, vascular and neurological problems. We also work closely with mental health teams to support patients in crisis. All sites have rapid access to emergency X‑ray and CT scanning for quick diagnosis.
To keep everyone safe, we ask that patients bring one visitor only. Exceptions apply for critically unwell patients or those needing extra support due to cognitive impairment, learning disabilities or additional needs.
Specialist emergency care for babies, children and teenagers
Our children’s emergency departments care for patients from birth up to their 18th birthday. Young people aged 16–17 may be admitted to a children’s or adult ward depending on their clinical needs and whether they remain under a specialist paediatric team.
Children are seen by dedicated paediatric nurses, doctors and health play specialists. Most are treated in the department, with longer assessments taking place in our paediatric clinical decision or assessment units.
Where possible, we ask that only one parent or guardian attends and that no siblings come into the department. Exceptions include critically unwell children, babies under 28 days old, children with significant learning disabilities or complex needs, and those already admitted to a paediatric cubicle, who may have two parents with them.
Understanding your options
If you’re unsure where to go for medical help, NHS 111 can advise you on what to do next, including support for symptoms, injuries and medicines.
For urgent mental health support, call 111 and choose option 2 to speak to a trained professional. The service is available for all ages, including those concerned about a loved one.
Pharmacists can also help by providing advice on various health issues, including coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections, and general aches and pains.
Visiting a minor injuries unit
If you have a minor illness or injury and it cannot wait until your GP is open you can visit one of our minor injuries unit or urgent treatment centres. Find out if you should visit.
SDEC
SDEC provides same day specialist care for emergency patients, without admitting them to a hospital bed.
You may be referred to SDEC when you attend A&E, or sent by your GP or an ambulance. SDEC is available at Newham, Whipps Cross, and The Royal London Hospital.
Additional needs
For adults and young patients with additional needs attending A&E can be overwhelming. When you arrive please inform reception and your treatment team of any additional needs so that we can support you exactly how you need.
Our A&E at The Royal London Hospital is the first in London to be accredited by the National Autistic Society.
We know that A&E is a noisy, bright, unpredictable and highly stimulating environment. As a department we welcome all adults with additional needs, and our staff are keen to support and champion all.
We will do our best to place patients with additional needs in spaces where light and noise can be more controlled, although sometimes there may be a delay in identifying and making this space available when we are very busy.
