Changes to NHS accident and emergency services: all you need to know this winter

A&E departments are to remain open for those who have a life-threatening emergency. However, to ensure patients have the fastest access to the treatment they need, anyone with a non-life threatening condition are now to be directed to the right NHS service for them.

In hours access to general practice is unchanged and remains the first port of call for the majority of urgent care issues.

If A&E is the most appropriate place to provide the right care, patients will either be directly referred to A&E by NHS 24 or to a telephone or video consultation with a senior clinical decision maker.

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The remote consultation approach is designed to avoid unnecessary waits in crowded waiting areas and offer care much closer to home whenever possible.

If senior clinical decision makers determine the patient needs to go to A&E, they may be offered an appointment to attend, NHS 24 on 111 is also there for those who need urgent medical attention but can’t wait for their GP practice or dentist to re-open.

Those with life-threatening conditions including suspected heart attacks or strokes, severe breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, or severe injury should continue to go straight to A&E or call 999.

Jeane Freeman, Health Secretary said: “The NHS is always there for you. However, for many of us, A&E is not the right place for the care we need.

"That is why we are making it easier to get the right care in the right place. If you think you need to go to A&E for care that is not life-threatening, the NHS 24 telephone service on 111 will be available day and night to direct you to the care you need.

“Your GP Practice is also always there for you and can be contacted for urgent but non-life threatening conditions. However, in an emergency, you should continue to call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.

“By doing so, we will continue to help our doctors and nurses through this pandemic, and ensure A&E provides the fastest and most appropriate care for people when they really need it."

Anyone with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should not attend A&E and must adhere to public health advice. They should contact the NHS to arrange to be tested - either online at NHSInform.scot, or by calling 0800 028 2816.

For further information on where to access the right medical care, visit: NHSinform.scot/right-care.

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