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Urgent and emergency care services perform a critical role in keeping the population healthy.
The NHS responds to more than 110 million urgent calls or visits every year, so it is essential that the system works effectively.
Urgent and emergency care is much more than just A&E, although that is the service that might first come to mind for many people. There are lots of ways we provide urgent and emergency care both in our hospitals, and also in the community.
Helping make sure people go to the right place, first time, to get the care they need, could reduce the pressure on A&E.
So what exactly is the difference?
Emergency care
For life-threatening illnesses or accidents that need to be dealt with straight away.
For adults, this could be things like signs of a heart attack or stroke, heavy bleeding, choking, sudden confusion (delirium) or attempted suicide.
For children it could also mean when they can’t stay awake, if they are limp and floppy, or if they are non-stop crying.
For when you need urgent attention for a non-life-threatening illness or injury.
You can get urgent care through NHS111, your local pharmacy, your GP practice (including out of hours), or at a walk-in centre or urgent treatment centre.
If you’re not sure where to go, NHS 111 can help.
Our urgent treatment centres are available to everyone, without an appointment. They can help with things like sprains and strains, broken bones, injuries, cuts and bruises, chest and water infections or high temperatures in children and adults.
Southport and Formby District Hospital - 24/7 A&E service for adults
Ormskirk District Hospital – A&E service for under 16s
Urgent treatment centre at Ormskirk District Hospital
Walk-in centre (or minor injuries unit), Concourse Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale
Same day emergency care unit at Southport and Formby District Hospital
GP out-of-hours service
NHS 111 by phone and online
Urgent and emergency care services perform a critical role in keeping the population healthy.
The NHS responds to more than 110 million urgent calls or visits every year, so it is essential that the system works effectively.
Urgent and emergency care is much more than just A&E, although that is the service that might first come to mind for many people. There are lots of ways we provide urgent and emergency care both in our hospitals, and also in the community.
Helping make sure people go to the right place, first time, to get the care they need, could reduce the pressure on A&E.
So what exactly is the difference?
Emergency care
For life-threatening illnesses or accidents that need to be dealt with straight away.
For adults, this could be things like signs of a heart attack or stroke, heavy bleeding, choking, sudden confusion (delirium) or attempted suicide.
For children it could also mean when they can’t stay awake, if they are limp and floppy, or if they are non-stop crying.
For when you need urgent attention for a non-life-threatening illness or injury.
You can get urgent care through NHS111, your local pharmacy, your GP practice (including out of hours), or at a walk-in centre or urgent treatment centre.
If you’re not sure where to go, NHS 111 can help.
Our urgent treatment centres are available to everyone, without an appointment. They can help with things like sprains and strains, broken bones, injuries, cuts and bruises, chest and water infections or high temperatures in children and adults.
