The Accident and Emergency (A&E) department or Emergency Department at hospital is for major, life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Major A&E departments offer access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, although not every hospital has an A&E department. A&E departments assess and treat patients with serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E

such as:

• Loss of consciousness
• Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
• Persistent, severe chest pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped

The doctors and nurses at A&E are highly trained in emergency medicine and have access to equipment and treatments for life threatening conditions. At A&E a doctor or nurse will assess your condition and decide on further action using a system called clinical triage. This means that people with more serious conditions will be treated before those with minor complaints.