The Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) is located at University College Hospital and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone seeking healthcare for an urgent medical problem related to an accident or illness. A&E can be very busy and should be used for those patients seeking only urgent medical attention.
If you have an urgent but non life-threatening problem, you should call NHS 111 before attending the hospital. You will then be directed to the most suitable location for your care in the first instance, as A&E is not always the most appropriate option.
If your problem is life-threatening, you should still use 999 and come straight to A&E.
For non-emergency problems (such as coughs, sore throat, flu-like symptoms and urinary tract infections) please consider other treatment options such as:
- Calling NHS 111 by dialling 111 - this service offers health information and advice from a specially trained nurse over the phone, 24 hours a day.
- Calling your GP surgery to be seen by an emergency doctor or to make an appointment to see your usual doctor.
- Attending a Walk-In Centre - these provide fast and convenient access to healthcare advice and treatment for minor illnesses and injury. No appointment is necessary. Please contact NHS Direct to find out where your nearest walk-in centre is located.
