To protect us and the NHS, it’s important you know how to get the right care, in the right place.
If we all use NHS services wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
Emergency Departments (A&E)
Local Emergency Departments (A&E) are only for those who have a life-threatening emergency such as:
- suspected heart attack or stroke
- severe breathing difficulties
- severe bleeding
- severe injury
If you attend our Emergency Departments (A&E) but do not require urgent medical attention you may be redirected to another service or face a longer than usual wait.
Phone NHS 24 on 111 for urgent care
If you think you need to visit A&E but it’s not life threatening, you can phone NHS 24 on 111, day or night. Phone 111 if you:
- think you need to go to A&E but it’s not life threatening
- are too ill to wait for your GP practice to open
NHS 24 will help you get the right care in the right place, often closer to home and without the need to go to A&E. This may include a phone or video consultation.
Your GP practice
You can still contact your GP practice during opening hours.
Your GP practice team is available if you:
- have an urgent care need
- have an illness that does not improve with self-treatment
- are worried about your health
- have an ongoing health condition
Click here for more information on your local GP practice.
Self-help advice from NHS Inform
NHS inform is Scotland’s national health information service, providing people in Scotland with accurate and relevant information to help them make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for.
Click here to visit NHS Inform.