What does A&E mean in HOSPITALS

Accident & Emergency (A&E) is a term used to describe emergency healthcare services in the UK. They provide around-the-clock emergency healthcare, such as first aid and acute care, to those who have suffered an unexpected accident or become suddenly ill.

You should only attend A&E if you have sustained an injury or suddenly become severely ill, and need medical help immediately. If you require non-urgent medical care it may be best to wait until your local GP surgery reopens so that you can make an appointment with them.

The easiest way to locate your nearest A&E department is by searching online for ‘Accident & Emergency' followed by your location. Alternatively, you can call 111 or visit the NHS website which has detailed information about all nearby healthcare providers including details of any out-of-hours services.

Yes - all A&E departments provide the same level of urgent care for acute medical conditions no matter where you are in England and Wales, but some hospitals may have specific specialist units which offer additional facilities not found in other A&Es such as paediatric wards or trauma centres that can deal with more complex cases.

If you're unable or reluctant to use public transport then it's best to call 999 - this will ensure that ambulances are dispatched right away if it is necessary for your circumstances. You can also ask family members or friends if they are able to drive you to the hospital in their car and assist with making arrangements depending on how serious your condition is.