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

Hospital at Home provides safe, effective person-centred care, equivalent to that received in an acute hospital setting, but delivered in the comfort of the patient’s own home.  Research show that recovery is much faster in a familiar, comfortable environment and patients of the NBT Hospital at Home service will get an individually tailored treatment plan and will remain under the care of their consultant until they have finished their treatment.

Patients who are eligible to be treated at home will be referred by members of the ward medical and nursing teams, and the NBT Hospital at Home team will work with the wards to assess if they may be appropriate to be part of the service.

The team of ten nurses have been selected for the specialist skills they have gained from their experience working at NBT. The team has a broad range of experience and are capable of delivering the care required in patient’s own homes.  

The concept of delivering acute healthcare within the home is new to North Bristol NHS Trust but there are examples of similar, successful services across the UK being run at other hospitals. The team visited University Hospital Coventry who have been running this service for several years.  We will continue to regularly review and monitor the service during implementation.

The Hospital at Home team have a broad range of nursing experience and can deliver many acute healthcare interventions to patients within their own home. Patients will need to live within a 45 minute drive of Southmead Hospital, and each referral will be assessed on an individual basis taking into account their needs.

Patients who are assessed and deemed eligible for the service will be seen by a NBT Hospital at Home co-ordinator. The team will formulate an individual treatment plan with the referring medical team and assess if and how this can be delivered in the patient’s home. The patient will be presented with the plan and if they would like to continue their treatment at home then they will be transferred home and our expert team will visit them as per the agreed treatment plan.  If the patient wishes to speak to the team outside of an agreed visit there are a number of ways for them to get additional support. During office hours patients will be able to seek advice from the NBT Hospital at Home co-ordinator, the co-ordinator will determine the appropriate course of action for that patient and implement it.  Out of hours, the patient will contact the clinical hub and if necessary a transfer will be arranged back to NBT for assessment by the medical team.

The Hospital at Home service will be able to visit patients between the hours of 7am and 9.30pm.  The visits will be scheduled 24 hours in advance and patients will be informed of a time slot to expect the team. In the event of a change in the patient’s clinical condition then the number of visits and the agreed treatment plan may be changed to reflect this.

You will be given clear instructions on who to contact in the event of any concerns or problems and these will be included in the NBT Hospital at Home information sheet, which you will have in your home.  Between the hours of 7am and 6pm you will be able to contact the Hospital at Home Co-ordinator based in Southmead Hospital and you will have a direct number to reach the team.  Between the hours of 6pm and 7pm then you will be able to contact the clinical hub who will be able to facilitate transfer back into Southmead Hospital for review.  In the event of an emergency patients will be instructed to dial 999 to return to hospital urgently.

No not at all, research shows that patients recover better and quicker in their own home. Many of the treatments that patients suitable for the Hospital at Home service are receiving can easily be delivered at home, allowing them to recuperate and recover in a comfortable and familiar environment. The Hospital at Home service wants to work with patients, striving to deliver excellent healthcare that puts you first and recognises your individual needs.

Patients who are part of the Hospital at Home programme will not be discharged from North Bristol NHS Trust until they have completed their treatment programme. We recognise that during the course of a treatment plan, things may change and that on occasion, treatment plans may change to reflect this. If during your treatment, things change and we can no longer meet your healthcare needs in your own home, then we will arrange any necessary changes; this may include an increase in visits by the Hospital at Home team, early review in a clinic slot or even transfer back to an inpatient ward in Southmead Hospital. 

Yes, our clinics run within the Plastic Surgery specialty on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons usually in Gate 24 of the Brunel Building.

Yes please. It is very useful for us to discuss this with you and some parts may be used again on new devices.

No, please stop using it and contact us immediately for advice and/or an appointment.

No, we are a separate department. You may require the Bristol Centre for Enablement for limb prosthetics, visit www.nbt.nhs.uk/bce for more information. 

Funding for our service through the NHS should be discussed with your consultant before referral.

There are lots of different factors that contribute to PGP, it is likely a combination of these that cause pain.

You are more likely to experiences PGP if:

• You have had back pain before your pregnancy.
• You have had PGP in a previous pregnancy.
• You start your pregnancy being overweight.

Here are some factors that contribute to PGP: 

Hormonal changes

Strong tissues called ligaments hold the bones of the pelvis together. The normal hormonal effects of pregnancy cause the ligaments to be more flexible. This is an important process, and without it you would not be able to grow your baby. This does mean that your joints are more mobile, however research hasn’t shown a link between how mobile your joints are and how much pelvic pain you have.

It is know that sensitivity to pain increases during pregnancy, and this may be a bigger factor in why we are more likely to experience pain.

Postural changes

The average weight gain in pregnancy is two stone, and your pelvis has to accommodate a growing baby. You may have noticed that your posture has changed with pregnancy. Lots of women find the curve in their lower back may become more pronounces as their bump grows.

This is not damaging or harmful, but too much time spent in any posture can cause a feeling of stiffness and be painful. It can be helpful to be mindful of this. 

Activity level

Having a job involving manual work/lifting activities or prolonged standing/walking can impact your pain. Our bodies have to adapt to our normal activities whilst carrying an extra load.

Additionally you may not be as active as you were previously so your body will have to adapt to a different routine. 

Emotional factors 

It is well known that emotional factors can impact the levels of pain we experiences.

Factors such as stress, depression, anxiety, and fatigue all have an influence on the sensitivity of our nervous system, and in turn this can impact pain levels. This means that you may be more likely that you experience PGP if you have any of these, and it is important that you can access appropriate support.

Dealing with factors like morning sickness, fatigue, and lack of sleep can also contribute.

It is likely that you will have an element of pain until you give birth. However the good news is most women recover

completely within the first month following birth, and there are lots of strategies you can use to help in the meantime, which are covered on the following pages.

It can be helpful to consider the following 4 Ps to help manage the symptoms:

• Posture.
• Pain relief.
• Pacing.
• Physical exercise.

Posture

Looking after your posture as your body changes during pregnancy can be really helpful.

The best strategy is to change your position regularly, however if you do need to stay in one position for a bit longer, the following advice can help:

• Using a rolled towel or cushion can help to support the lower back when sitting. Gently rocking your pelvis backwards and forwards regularly can help to keep your back moving while you are sitting.
• You could also try sitting on a gym ball periodically, as this also helps to keep you gently active whilst sitting.
• You may find that positions involving standing on one leg can feel uncomfortable. Adapting your posture to reduce this can be helpful - such as getting dressed sitting down, or trying to stand with your weight evenly between your feet.
• At night time, using pillows between your legs can be helpful. Place a pillow between your knees and ankles when lying on your side at night (see picture). When you need to turn, squeezing into the pillows may feel more comfortable.
• A small pillow or towel placed underneath your bump when lying can be helpful.
• Pad out your bed with a spare double duvet placed under your top sheet – this will help to spread the pressure and may stop your hips from getting sore when side lying.
• When getting out of bed, it can be more comfortable to roll onto your side before getting out of bed, keeping your legs together.

It is important to try and be consistent with the above tips. Simple advice done well can often make the biggest difference.

Pain relief

Your GP will usually feel it is safe for you to take regular paracetamol during your pregnancy. Please speak to your GP to discuss this further or if you need advice on stronger pain relief. There are many other pain relieving strategies such as:

• Using heat such as hot water bottles/heat packs as long as you don’t directly apply the heat to your bump. You could also try cold if you prefer – either a cold pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel.
• Using a maternity support belt, tubigrip, or supportive clothing may reduce pain on walking (the softer belts without rigid supports tend to be more comfortable).
• Having a massage from a partner or friend (in a chair or side lying rather than on your stomach).
• TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machines can also be helpful, and are safe to use from 37 weeks pregnant.
• Concentrating on your breathing when you’re in pain can help, not only if you are experiencing PGP but also in labour. When pain is intense, it’s very easy to start taking shallow, rapid breaths. Instead, try to breathe slowly and deeply. This will help you to feel more in control and can help to ease muscle tension which may make your pain worse.

Pacing

Learning to pace yourself as you progress through pregnancy can be a really useful strategy for managing aches and pains.

Pacing means breaking activities into shorter sections, and planning short rest breaks in between each chunk of activity.

Pacing also means planning your activities so you avoid a ‘boom/bust’ pattern – this is doing a lot of activity on days when you feel good, but then having to spend days resting because you may have overdone it.

Ask and accept help if you need it.

Physical exercise

Exercise is another important part of trying to manage your pain. Keeping active can feel like a real challenge when you’re in pain but it is important to do what you can and to aim for 150 minutes of physical activity each week.

There are some rules to be mindful of in pregnancy:

• Avoid physical activity in excessive heat, especially with high humidity.
• Keep your exercise to a ‘moderate’ level so your heart rate does not raise too much – you should be able to hold a conversation whilst exercising.
• Avoid dehydration and drink plenty.
• Avoid exercise that might risk ‘bumping the bump’.

If you are experiencing pelvic girdle pain then gentler exercises may be more appropriate and feel more comfortable – this could be walking, swimming, or antenatal yoga/pilates.

It is important to listen to your body and pace yourself, and it is recommended from 16 weeks that you do not exercise lying on your back.

We have provided some basic exercise examples in our pelvic girdle pain video:

• What is pelvic girdle pain? (up to 2 minutes 50).
• What can I do to help? (from 2 minutes 50) Information on posture, pacing, pain relief, support belts, heat.
• Exercises you can try (from 9 minutes 50).

Stress, depression, and anxiety can all have a negative influence on your pain, and it is important to recognise that experiencing PGP can affect you emotionally as well as physically.

It can be difficult to remain positive when you have PGP, so it is important to look after your mental wellbeing as best you can throughout your pregnancy.

Incorporating things like relaxation, breathing exercises, mindfulness and yoga have been shown to help anxiety in pregnancy. Your fitness routine might also be part of how you relieve stress.

We have put together some resources at the end of this booklet which you may find helpful.

If you feel like you are not coping, please speak with your health professional for advice. Within Bristol, Mothers for Mothers provide support to help families manage their wellbeing and mental health during pregnancy and after birth.

Their services can either be accessed through self-referral or your healthcare professional can do this for you – their website details are at the end of this booklet.

NHS prenatal and postnatal yoga video

NHS breathing exercises for stress

The Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy Society useful resource booklets

Mothers for Mothers