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Home » Services » Services A-Z » Emergency Departments (A&E)

Emergency Departments (A&E)

The way people access Emergency Departments (A&E) services has changed to keep patients and NHS Scotland safe – making sure everyone gets the right care in the right place.

Local Emergency Departments (A&E) are for those who have a life-threatening emergency such as:

  • suspected heart attack or stroke
  • severe breathing difficulties
  • severe bleeding
  • severe injury 

To ensure patients have the fastest access to the treatment they need, anyone who does not have a critical emergency, who would usually go to A&E, should now call NHS 24 on 111 first, day or night, to be directed to the right NHS service.

If our Emergency Department (A&E) is the most appropriate place to provide the right care, patients will either be referred directly by NHS 24 or a telephone or video consultation with a senior clinical decision maker will be arranged.

NHS Inform has further information on where to access the right medical care.

When should you call 111?

If you think you need to attend the Emergency Departments but it’s not a critical emergency – phone 111. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This service will provide you with urgent care – you’ll be assessed for a range of concerns including cuts, burns, suspected broken bones, sprains and other injuries or illnesses.

This may involve a telephone or video consultation with a clinician from your local health board or an appointment to attend A&E.

when you should call 111
When to visit the Emergency Department from Dr Alan Krichell