What is an emergency?

When it comes to your health or the health of someone in your family, it is often very obvious if the person is seriously ill and needs immediate emergency care. An emergency is a critical or life-threatening situation.

here are some examples:

unconsciousness,
a suspected stroke,
heavy blood loss,
suspected broken bones,
a deep wound such as a stab wound,
a suspected heart attack,
difficulty in breathing,
severe burns, and
a severe allergic reaction.

Here are a few things that you should remember in any emergency. These will help you to deal with the situation quickly and efficiently

Telephone 999. Make sure they know where the ambulance has to come to, and they have some details about the person who is injured or ill.

Don't put yourself in danger. For example, if someone has been electrocuted, make sure you switch off the power supply before touching them. Don't give the person anything to eat, drink or smoke. Don't stick anything in their mouth. Follow the instructions the ambulance service call handler may give you.

When should I go to the Accident and Emergency department?

Accident & Emergency staff are specialists in accidents and emergencies, whereas your GP in a specialist is primary medical care. A&E doctors do not consider themselves as your alternative to attending your local surgery, even for 'second opinions'.

here are some examples of appropriate A&E conditions:

Most 'minor' injuries, e.g. severe sprains, dislocated joints, wounds, especially those on the face, poisoning, burns

Where is my local A&E department ?

The local A&E department is located within the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston. Click here and here for maps to the James Paget Hospital.

What if I need an urgent appointment at the doctors' ?

Each surgery has a number of same day appointments for emergencies. Our trained receptionists will be pleased to help and advise. We ask that you call as early as possible in the day if you require an emergency appointment. Please call the surgery at which you are registered. If you are a temporary resident or holidaymaker, please call the surgery nearest to you (usually either our Hemsby or Caister branches).