{"id":5343,"date":"2026-06-24T09:20:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T08:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/?page_id=5343"},"modified":"2026-06-24T09:20:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T08:20:34","slug":"triage-faster-assessment-when-you-arrive-easy-read","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/triage-faster-assessment-when-you-arrive-easy-read\/","title":{"rendered":"Triage &#8211; faster assessment when you arrive &#8211; Easy Read"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>What this is about<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"359\" height=\"289\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/triage.jpg\" alt=\"triage\" class=\"wp-image-5736\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.242292490118577;width:197px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/triage.jpg 359w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/triage-300x242.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 359px) 100vw, 359px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Triage<\/strong> is what we call it when a patient is first checked by medical staff. The aim is to find out what is wrong and how badly they need treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"419\" height=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/triage-dept.jpg\" alt=\"triage dept\" class=\"wp-image-5735\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5519710311908486;width:221px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/triage-dept.jpg 419w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/triage-dept-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 419px) 100vw, 419px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The maternity <strong>triage<\/strong> department is who you contact if you have a problem with your pregnancy. You also contact them if you have a problem after the birth of your baby. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"424\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/triage-dept-opening-hours.jpg\" alt=\"triage dept opening hours\" class=\"wp-image-5734\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4373475609756097;width:213px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/triage-dept-opening-hours.jpg 424w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/triage-dept-opening-hours-300x209.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 424px) 100vw, 424px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be contacted both by phone and in person.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What we are doing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"426\" height=\"299\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/assessment.jpg\" alt=\"assessment\" class=\"wp-image-5740\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4247506799637353;width:213px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/assessment.jpg 426w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/assessment-300x211.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 426px) 100vw, 426px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our goal is to assess everyone within 15 minutes of their arrival. Patients are then seen by a midwife or doctor depending on what they need.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"343\" height=\"329\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/appointment-wait.jpg\" alt=\"appointment wait\" class=\"wp-image-5738\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.0425696594427245;width:195px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/appointment-wait.jpg 343w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/appointment-wait-300x288.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 343px) 100vw, 343px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We make sure we see the people who need urgent care first. The staff explain this to the patients. This lets patients know how long they will wait and why.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How this helps you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"376\" height=\"312\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/priority-appointment.jpg\" alt=\"priority appointment\" class=\"wp-image-5763\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.205138036809816;width:211px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/priority-appointment.jpg 376w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/priority-appointment-300x249.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are making sure those with the most urgent problems are seen first. This means everyone gets the care they need.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Our progress<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"385\" height=\"212\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/quicker-appointment.jpg\" alt=\"quicker appointment\" class=\"wp-image-5766\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.8160631741140216;width:219px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/quicker-appointment.jpg 385w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/quicker-appointment-300x165.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 385px) 100vw, 385px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We started using the new system in The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in 2021 and St. John\u2019s Hospital in&nbsp;&nbsp;2025.&nbsp; Most patients are now seen within 15 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong>What you can do<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"328\" height=\"396\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/contact-details.jpg\" alt=\"contact details\" class=\"wp-image-5744\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.8283041243905653;width:169px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/contact-details.jpg 328w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/contact-details-248x300.jpg 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 328px) 100vw, 328px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is good to keep a note of where to get help during your pregnancy and after the birth of your baby. You can find out more here: <a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/\">Maternity Services \u2013 NHS Lothian | Our Services<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"440\" height=\"293\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/waiting-room.jpg\" alt=\"waiting room\" class=\"wp-image-5737\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5017918292585808;width:191px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/waiting-room.jpg 440w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/06\/waiting-room-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The maternity triage can get busy. You can bring what you need to keep comfortable while waiting. This could be a cushion, water, snacks and a fan in the summer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/triage-faster-assessment-when-you-arrive\/\">Read more detail about this topic<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What this is about Triage is what we call it when a patient is first checked by medical staff. The aim is to find out what is wrong and how badly they need treatment. The maternity triage department is who you contact if you have a problem with your pregnancy. You also contact them if<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":309,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"class_list":["post-5343","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"scottsamson","author_link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/author\/scottsamson\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":false,"rttpg_excerpt":"What this is about Triage is what we call it when a patient is first checked by medical staff. The aim is to find out what is wrong and how badly they need treatment. The maternity triage department is who you contact if you have a problem with your pregnancy. You also contact them if","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5343","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/309"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5343"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5343\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5850,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5343\/revisions\/5850"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5343"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5343"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}