Accident and Emergency (A&E)
Do I really need to go to an
A&E department?
Many people who use A&E services have minor health problems that could be dealt with
by other local NHS services.
If you have to think about whether you need to go to A&E, then the chances are that you
probably don’t and can get treatment elsewhere – if you are unsure contact NHS Direct
first before going in. Call NHS 111.
What IS an emergency?
An emergency is 'a critical or life-threatening situation'. Examples:
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someone has stopped breathing or their heart has stopped,
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the person is experiencing severe chest pain or is having trouble breathing,
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there is severe bleeding from any part of the body,
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the person is, or has been, unconscious,
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there has been a serious head injury,
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the person has a severe burn/scald,
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the person has a severe allergic reaction,
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the person has numbness or weakness down one side and/or has problems
understanding what you are saying,
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there is a suspected broken bone or dislocation,
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the person is experiencing severe stomach ache that cannot be treated by over-thecounter remedies, or
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someone has overdosed or poisoned themselves.
Remember A&E is designed for life threatening health problems.
Where to get help.
Self Care
A well stocked medicine cabinet will help you treat many everyday illnesses at home. Ask
your Chemist / Pharmacist for advice on what to stock.
Pharmacy or Chemist
Pharmacists (or Chemists) can offer advice on medicines and how to take them. They can
also offer advice on common / minor ailments such as coughs, colds, aches and pains,
and other health issues, such as healthy eating and giving up smoking. You can talk to
your pharmacist in confidence - even about the most personal symptoms. Many
pharmacies now have a quiet area away from other customers where you can speak to the
pharmacist more privately.
NHS 111
24-hour advice and health information, every day of the year. They are staffed by nurses
and professional advisors, providing confidential information on:
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what to do if you or family member feels ill;
particular health conditions;
local health services (such as doctors, dentists or out of hours pharmacies);
self-help or support organisations.
You can call NHS 111, simply dial 111 from your landline or mobile.
are free of charge. For patient’s safety all calls are recorded.
All calls to NHS 111
Your GP Surgery
King Cross Surgery 0844 477 3371
Your GP surgery provides a range of services including:
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general medical advice and treatment (GP’s and Nurses);
prescriptions;
referral to specialist or hospital;
family planning;
health education:
immunisations and tests.
Out of normal surgery hours, all GPs have an emergency service managed via NHS 111.
This service is only for urgent medical problems – things that cannot wait to be treated
until normal surgery hours. If you are not sure about the best way to deal with your
symptoms, NHS 111 can advise you on what to do, ring 111.
At King Cross – patients who need an out of hours Doctor should call 111.
Walk In Centre
Horne Street Medical Centre (behind TK Max/Argos)
Open 8-12noon and 3-7pm. Available to anyone for minor illness or injury.
You are not required to register at the walk in centre to get treatment as you
can only register with one practice for your general health care. If you attend
the walk in centre full details will be sent to your GP so that your records can
be updated.
Treatment and advice available for:
 Family planning
 Coughs, colds and flu like symptoms
 Minor cuts and wounds, dressings and care
 Muscle and joint injuries – strains and sprains
 Skin complaints – rashes, sunburn and headlice
 Stomach ache, indigestion, constipation, vomiting and diarrhoea
Accident and Emergency / 999
When it comes to your health or the health of someone else, it is often very
obvious if the person is seriously ill and needs emergency care. You
should get medical attention by either taking the patient to Accident and
Emergency (A&E) or by phoning 999 for an ambulance.
SOME MYTHS ABOUT ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
Accident and Emergency is an alternative to your GP.
It is not appropriate to go to Accident and Emergency as an alternative to your GP. The
specialists there need to be able to focus on true emergencies and accidents.
Calling 999 for an ambulance gets you to the top of the accident and emergency
queue.
Patients are seen based on medical need not who gets to the hospital first. Patients are
assessed on arrival and then dealt with according to their needs, not their demands or
expectations.
All injuries need x-rays.
The doctor or nurse will be able to assess, on examining you, whether an x-ray is
appropriate or not. In many cases x-rays are not needed. Similarly not all medical
complaints will need a blood test or further diagnostic tests.
A&E doctors are more expert at dealing with medical problems than your GP.
Your GP is an expert in general medicine. Accident and Emergency doctors are
specialists in accidents and emergencies.