The Emergency Department provides treatment for around 85,000 patients a year. The department offers specialist trauma and emergency medical care for all forms of serious injury and illness. The team within the Emergency Department work closely with the inpatient and community teams to ensure high quality, evidence based care for all.
There is a specialist Emergency Nurse Practitioner service for minor injury, and a dedicated physiotherapy clinic based within the department.
The Emergency Department runs a dedicated short stay ward for patients requiring up to 24 hours of inpatient assessment and treatment.
The A&E team has been judged to be one of the best performing A&E teams in the North West and is recognised nationally. This means that as a patient, you can be reassured that you will receive excellent care.
Should you attend A&E?
A&E treats patients who, in the past 24 hours, have experienced a medical or surgical emergency or accident which results in serious injury.
Thousands of people attend the department unnecessarily and would have benefited by accessing other NHS services such as:
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NHS Direct
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GP
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Pharmacist
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Dentist
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Treatment Centre
Make sure you receive the Right Treatment at the Right Time.
If you are still unsure once you have considered these alternatives, you should attend A&E.
When you arrive at A&E
It is important that your medical condition is quickly assessed. This is undertaken by the Triage nurse. Your first port of call is therefore to see the Triage nurse. Patients are always treated against health priority, not necessarily time of arrival. When you have seen the triage nurse, you may be asked to report to reception who will take further details from you. You will then be asked to take a seat until you are called into the treatment room.
Why wait?
The A&E team knows who are waiting and will see you as soon as possible. They have access to your details. Always remember that someone with a more life threatening condition may be seen before yourself. Please be patient.
Who will I see?
The A&E staff work as a highly co-ordinated expert team. Within the team, you may expect to meet:
The A&E team always has a consultant working and available in the department. This does not mean that you may see them on your visit.
What if I need diagnostic tests?
If maybe that to gain a full understanding of your condition, the doctor may require you to undergo tests such as xrays, blood tests or swabs. Quite often xrays can be done durng your stay at A&E. Although blood and swabs can be taken, the blood test results may not be obtained for a few hours and swabs may take 24 to 48 hours. A&E staff will discuss the situation with you and agree the best way forwards.
Will my GP know of my visit?
Yes. Your GP will have details of your visit should you need follow up medication or treatment.
What if my condition is difficult to diagnose?
If you present symptoms that need further investigation, you may be admitted for a longer stay. The staff will work with you to ensure the appropriate family arrangements are made.
