Each year over 100,000 people are seen in the Emergency Department (often referred to as A&E or ED). This is an average of around 300 people every day.
The Emergency Department is for the most seriously ill or injured patients, and we ask you to consider whether you need urgent and emergency care services before you attend.
If you do need to come to hospital, we will do our best to see you as quickly as possible, but please be aware that at particularly busy times, this may take longer than we would like.
Other healthcare options and advice are available, such as speaking to your GP, a local pharmacist or by visiting the NHS 111 website or calling NHS 111.
When should I go to the Emergency Department?
In a life-threatening emergency, go to the Emergency Department or call 999.
For children under the age of 16 with life-threatening emergencies, go to the Emergency Department at the Children’s Hospital in Bristol centre, or call 999.
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.
How long will I wait in the Emergency Department?
We are a very busy emergency department, and we are working hard to see you as quickly as possible. We use a priority system where the most seriously ill patients are seen first, and this may mean there is a wait for you to be seen. Sometimes people who look well may need urgent care, and these people will be seen before you, even if they arrived later
Although the waiting room may seem quiet, much of our work takes place in parts of the department you cannot see, and it may be very busy behind the scenes.
Arriving by ambulance does not mean you will necessarily get seen quicker.
If you attend our ED with a condition which is not life-threatening, you may be redirected to another service which is more appropriate for your needs.
We do not Accept...
We Do Not Accept violence, aggression, discrimination, racism, bullying, harassment, or abuse of any kind towards our staff at NBT.
There are many incidents where people are violent, aggressive or abusive and this is just not acceptable.
Please be patient when seeking care. The NHS is there for you, and you will get the care you need. Treat staff with courtesy and remember they are working very hard to care for patients.
