YOU SHOULD ONLY COME TO A&E IN A CRITICAL EMERGENCY.
Right Care Right Place
Get the right care in the right place and keep A&E free for critical emergencies.
Please click on the headings below to find out more about each service.
HELP US HELP YOU
The way you access urgent care has changed. Please help us, help you, by getting the right care in the right place and keep A&E free for critical emergencies.
There are now more ways you can access care quickly and often closer to home, including video and phone consultations. Please use this guide for more information and advice.
EMERGENCIES
In a critical emergency or injury, call 999
Always call 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department (A&E) in a critical emergency.
Your NHS is available all year round to care for you.
MINOR INJURIES UNIT
The best way to access a minor injury assessment is to call 111 to get a scheduled appointment.
Depending on the nature of the minor injury, you will be allocated a video call or face to face appointment if you require further assessment or treatment.
CONTACT YOUR GP
Your local GP continues to be open during normal opening hours for routine or urgent care. Consult your local practice by phone or online for more information.
You might be able to get expert help and advice quickly by phone or with another health professional in the practice team.
GP OUT OF HOURS
If you need urgent medical advice which can’t wait until your GP practice is open, or you have a sudden onset or worsening of conditions, please call:
- NHS 24 on 111
- For textphone users, contact NHS 24 on 18001 111
- In life threatening illness or injury, always call 999
YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY
Community pharmacies should be your first stop if you have a minor illness such as a sore throat or upset stomach.
They can help with repeat prescriptions, accessing free emergency contraception and offer advice for minor/common illnesses.
Find out more about Pharmacy First
CONTACT YOUR DENTIST
If you have a dental problem, you should call the dental practice that you normally attend in the first instance to discuss any treatment needs.
Outside normal working hours, if you feel you have an urgent dental need, please call NHS24 on 111.
OPTICIANS
If you are a UK resident, you can get a free NHS eye examination in Scotland.
This is not just to test your sight – it’s a thorough examination to:
- check the health of your eyes
- find any eye problems before they become more serious
- look for signs of other health problems.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Physiotherapy is concerned with human function and movement.
Physiotherapists are able to treat many physical problems, such as:
- problems and injuries with your muscles, joints or bones
- pelvic health and continence issues
- difficulties with walking or functions that affect independence.
SEXUAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES
If clinics are closed and the problem cannot wait until the next Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) clinic opens (for example, if you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last few hours, or if you have been sexually assaulted), please:
Call NHS 24 on 111 or visit the nearest Emergency Department (A&E).
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health and wellbeing services are available to provide free support for a range of conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of panic. There is a range of support available via telephone and online services.
You can call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87, available Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am and Friday 6pm to Monday 6am.
Visit NHS Inform or Breathing Space for practical advice and ideas on how to look after your mental wellbeing.
NHS INFORM
Many illnesses can be safely treated at home. Visit NHS Inform for advice on common symptoms and a list of local health services that can provide further medical advice.
There are handy self-help guides where you can assess your own symptoms for advice and help.
ACCESSIBILITY
If you use a textphone, you can contact NHS 24 on 18001 111.
If you’re deaf but want to use the phone service, you can use the Contact Scotland BSL interpreting video relay service
SIGNPOSTING
NHS Lothian is committed to improving services for patients and their families.
We understand that when people need or attend one of our health services, they can be very worried, and in pain or discomfort.
However, sometimes you can get help more quickly, safely and conveniently.
Support for People from Ukraine
Please visit our Support for People from Ukraine if you or your friends and family need health care or advice.
IN A CRITICAL EMERGENCY OR INJURY CALL 999
Always dial 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department (A&E) in a critical emergency.
Your NHS is available all year round to care for you.
The Emergency Department (A&E) is for critical emergency situations only.
Please think carefully before using emergency services and refer to our guide on when to visit an Emergency Department.
