Should You Go To A+E?
Before seeking medical care, please consider which service is most appropriate.
Get the right care from the right place. A&E is still open if you need emergency care. But many health issues can be handled online, on the phone, or at your local healthcare provider, saving you time and effort.
Please see some examples of other services below:
NHSinform.scot
Help is available here for common symptoms, as well as guidance for self-help and advice on where to go if you need further medical care.
Phone NHS 24 on 111
If you’re ill and feel it can’t wait until your GP practice reopens, you can phone the NHS 24 service on 111.
Mental health
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need support you can call NHS 24 on 111, or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123. They’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Visit your local pharmacy
Your local pharmacy can help with repeat prescriptions and offer advice on minor illnesses like coughs, colds, sore throats, diarrhoea or constipation, indigestion, and aches and pains. They can also help with common conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and impetigo.
Contacting your GP practice
If you contact your GP practice, the service might be different to what you’re used to as we work hard to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Minor Injuries Units
Visit your local minor injuries unit for non-life threatening but painful injuries, like cuts, minor burns, sprains and strains, and suspected broken bones and fractures.
Going to A&E or phoning 999
Please remember that A&E or phoning 999 are for emergencies only, such as severe injury, a suspected heart attack or stroke, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding.
Worried about coronavirus?
If you’re concerned you might have symptoms of coronavirus, visit nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
August 26th, 2020