Emergency Zone Frequently Asked Questions

The Emergency Department is for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies. If you are not sure you're not sure if you need to go to A&E, you can check your symptoms on NHS 111 website, or call NHS 111 to speak to someone. 

If you experience any of the following conditions, please attend the Emergency Department or call 999 for an ambulance: 

• loss of consciousness
• heavy blood loss that cannot be stopped
• persistent severe chest pain
• head injuries
• a suspected stroke or heart attack
• severe breathing difficulties
• a deep wound such as a stab wound
   

Other services you can use to help you are:

• Pharmacists can help with many ailments, from colds to long-term conditions. Use the NHS Find a Pharmacy online search tool to find a pharmacy near you.
• Your GP can help with ongoing health conditions and non-urgent medical matters.
• Visit the NHS 111 website, or call NHS 111 if you need urgent medical help, but it's not an emergency.
• Our Minor Injuries Unit can help with cuts that need stitches, and broken bones.
• Our Emergency Department treats serious and life-threatening emergencies. 

North Bristol NHS Trust offers free Wifi. More information on the free WiFi, is available online.

X-rays, blood tests and other investigations are arranged at the discretion of the doctor or practitioner seeing you. 

You may feel you need a certain test, but do not get one. This is because all tests carry risks, and unless the treatment would be different with the result, we try to avoid testing everyone.

Blood test results take an average of one and a half to two hours to come back from the laboratory, but this can vary depending on how busy they are. 

X-rays are reported in the following few days, by a radiologist (specialist doctor). If this report reveals anything new, you may be contacted by an ED consultant. However, this is uncommon.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a second opinion, and there are some tests and appointments that only your GP can provide.

For more information about what to expect and where you might be seen in the Emergency Department visit our What to expect in the Emergency Department pages on this website 

There are many different people involved in your care within the Emergency Department. For your safety, we frequently ask you for your details and check for allergies. 

We may also repeat other questions to make sure we have the correct information. This will help us care for you in the best way possible.

If a patient needs a quiet space, for example, patients with mental health problems or a learning disability, please speak to a member of staff and we will do our best to accommodate this, subject to how busy the department is.

Vending machines can be found at the back of the ED waiting room. For any issues with the machines, please call the number displayed on the machine as these are supplied by an external company.
 

There are Cafes & Shops on Level 1 of the Brunel building. 

There is a cashpoint on Level 1 in the main Atrium of the Brunel building opposite the pharmacy. 

Unfortunately, we do not have change on reception for vending machines, and there are no change machines in the hospital.

There is a phone on the reception desk you may use to call a taxi. 

There are usually taxi numbers next to the phone. 

If you would like reception to assist you, please ask.

Please be aware we do not pay for patients' taxis.

We know that often people wait in the emergency department for a number of hours. If you or your relative are due regular medications during this time, please check with your doctor or nurse if you should take them. 

In most cases, we encourage patients to bring their regular medications with them to take as they would normally. Missing doses can make you more unwell.

Your GP will get a brief letter to inform them of your attendance at the emergency department and what tests you have had done. 

If you have been advised in ED to follow up with your GP, we encourage you to arrange an appointment to see them rather than wait for them to get in touch.

You can self-certify (be off work) for one week legally before your employer can ask you to provide a sick note (also known as a fit note). 

If we have treated you in the Emergency Department, and you are likely to be off work for more than seven days, we may be able to provide a sick note (fit note). 

Please ask a member of staff for more details.

You can give feedback via the Friends & Family Test.

For advice, support, to say thank you, or to raise a concern contact Advice & Complaints