When to come to A&E — and when a clinic visit is enough
A practical guide to the symptoms that need an ambulance tonight, and the ones that can wait for a morning appointment.
Emergency departments work best when they are used for emergencies. Knowing the difference protects you and the patient in the next bed.
Come immediately, or call an ambulance, for: chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes, sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, a first seizure, or a head injury with confusion or vomiting.
For a child, add: a rash that does not fade under pressure, breathing that pulls in at the ribs, or unresponsiveness.
A same-week clinic appointment is usually right for: persistent cough without breathlessness, most fevers in otherwise well adults, joint pain, rashes, and long-standing digestive symptoms.
When in doubt, our 24-hour nurse line is staffed by triage-trained clinicians who will tell you honestly which door to walk through.
Have a question about this? Book fifteen minutes with the relevant consultant.
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