IN A CRITICAL EMERGENCY OR INJURY CALL 999
NHS Lothian has 3 Emergency Departments (A&Es) for critical emergencies.
Our emergency departments are very busy. It is not an appropriate destination if you are looking for a second opinion on an existing condition or for minor illnesses or if you have a minor injury.
If it is not a critical emergency please call NHS 24 on 111 to be referred to the right care service or consider whether your GP or community pharmacy can help.
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY?
An emergency is a critical or life threatening situation.
Examples include:
- Unconsciousness
- Heavy blood loss
- Suspected broken bones
- Deep wounds, such as stab wounds
- Suspected heart attack
- Suspected stroke
- Severe injury
- Difficulty in breathing
- Severe bleeding
PLEASE THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE USING EMERGENCY SERVICES
Patients attend the Emergency Department (ED) for many reasons; for example, accidents on the road, at work or at home.
The Emergency Department also provides immediate care for patients who take unwell with a range of different acute medical and surgical conditions, for example a heart attack.
People who use emergency services for minor problems may prevent others with emergencies from getting immediate care.
If you self present at ED with a condition that is not a critical emergency you might be redirected to a more appropriate care service.
