Emergency Department (A&E)

Choosing the right health service for your condition or injury is vital if you are to get the best treatment.

The Trust has two Emergency Departments (ED) based at:

Open 24 hours-a-day, every day of the year they treat around 127,000 patients each year.

Our Emergency Departments are extremely busy places. Please only visit in a critical or life-threatening emergency.

Critical and life threatening emergencies include:

loss of consciousness
acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
persistent, severe chest pain
breathing difficulties
severe head injuries
severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
choking
severe abdominal pains
Broken limbs

* Please be aware that we prioritise the treatment of our patients according to the seriousness of their condition so you may see people who arrived after you being treated before you.

Please don't visit the Emergency Department for:

Emergency contraception/ morning after pill
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Dental emergencies - please contact your dentist.
General medical conditions which could be treated by a doctor - please contact your GP.
Pharmacy Services

GP surgery

For illnesses that are not life threatening you should first contact your GP surgery. Outside of normal surgery hours you will be directed to an out-of-hours service. The out-of-hours period is from 6.30pm to 8am on weekdays, and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. During out-of-hours periods you can also call NHS 111.

Visit your GP for:

flare-ups of long-standing illness
mental health
general aches and pains
vomiting
ear ache

NHS 111

If it is not an immediate emergency call NHS 111. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can provide medical advice and advise you on the best local service to offer the care you need - simply call 111.

Walk-in Centres and Minor Injuries Unit

If you have a minor injury or condition which you feel needs medical attention, but is not an emergency, it may be quicker to be seen at a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).

Minor Injuries Units offer nurse-led service to treat minor injuries and illnesses. They can treat minor injuries such as cuts, burns and fractures - any medical treatment or advice which does not need a visit to A&E. No appointment is necessary. For details of Minor Injuries Units and Walk in Centres click here.

Minor Injury Units (MIUs) can treat a range of injuries including:

minor wounds and infections
insect and animal bites
sprains and strains
minor burns and scalds
minor eye injuries
injuries to the back, shoulder and chest
minor head injuries

There are MIUs in Bridlington, Whitby, Malton, Selby an Urgent Care Centre in York and a walk-in-centre in Scarborough.

Pharmacies

Pharmacists can also provide advice and over the counter medicines for a whole range of problems including the morning after pill. To find a pharmacy near you visit NHS Choices.

Symptom Checker

Alternatively, use NHS Choices symptoms checker to assess your symptoms online and receive personalised advice on the best action to take.

If you are not sure which service is best for you please ask advice from the NHS 111 service.

Access guide

Scarborough Hospital