Emergency Department A&E
The emergency department assesses and treats people with major trauma, serious injuries and those in need of emergency treatment. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.
Waiting Times and COVID-19 Restrictions
Our Emergency Department (A&E) is extremely busy and you may have to wait up to four hours or for longer periods to be seen. Patients who are critically ill or injured may be seen before you – even if they arrived after you. If your condition isn’t life-threatening you may be able to get help faster elsewhere (NHS 111, askmyGP, Walk in Centre).
COVID-19 restrictions are no longer in place however if you choose to wear a mask you may still do so, these should be available in all/most departments.
Visitors should be mindful of COVID symptoms and state if symptomatic with attendees in ED or going to wards
Please do not visit ward areas/ departments if you feel unwell, have symptoms of infection like diarrhoea or vomiting, flu, or COVID-19
If attending Emergency Department with a Rash, please advise staff immediately on arrival.
You can read our full Coronavirus information and advice here.
Do you need emergency medical treatment?
Yes, it’s a life-threatening emergency
An A&E department (also known as emergency department or casualty) deals with genuine life-threatening emergencies, such as:
- loss of consciousness
- acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
- chest pain
- breathing difficulties
- severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- severe allergic reactions
- severe burns or scalds
- stroke
- major trauma and accidents such as a road traffic accident
- Get to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E) or call 999 for an ambulance if you need immediate help
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Emergency Department. Call 01942 244000 (switchboard)
- Performing First Aid
Every year in the UK, thousands of people die or are seriously injured in incidents. Many deaths could be prevented if first aid was given before emergency services arrive.
Read NHS First Aid advice for emergency situations including CPR, stroke, choking, burns, heavy bleeding, fractures and more.
- What to expect at the Emergency Department (A&E)
Waiting
We would always treat critically ill patients first. We are often very busy on evenings, weekends and during winter. During these times, if your condition is not life-threatening, it is common to wait several hours for treatment. We operate a streaming process at the front door and you may be given an appointment to return or redirected to another appropriate service if your condition is not life threateneing.
It may not always look busy in the waiting area. A lot of the medical help we give happens away from where you are waiting. When we have patients who are seriously ill or injured, and who may have arrived by ambulance, you won’t be able to see that we are busy.
We know that waiting can be frustrating, especially if you are worried, in pain or unwell. We will give you pain relief as soon as possible and see you as soon as we can.
We still have COVID restrictions
We look after very ill and injured people. Many of our patients are also elderly or more vulnerable to catching viruses. It is a rule that anyone coming to our sites has to wear a surgical mask at all times. You must also attend alone if possible – or with one other person if you need support. Please also be mindful of hand washing and keeping at least 1m apart from others who are waiting.
- Additional information about infants and children
It can be difficult to know when to call an ambulance and when to take your child to the Emergency Department (A&E).
Call an ambulance if your child:
- stops breathing
- is struggling for breath (for example, you may notice them breathing fast, panting, becoming very wheezy, or see the muscles just under their ribcage sucking in when they breathe in)
- is unconscious or seems unaware of what’s going on
- has a cut that will not stop bleeding or is gaping open
- will not wake up
- has a fit for the first time, even if they seem to recover
Take your child to A&E if they:
- have a fever and are still sluggish, despite having paracetamol or ibuprofen
- have severe tummy (abdominal) pain
- have a leg or arm injury and cannot use the limb
- have swallowed a poison or tablets
Get to your nearest Children’s Emergency Department
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Emergency Department: separate children’s A&E facilities call 01942 244000 (switchboard)
Child First Aid
Visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/first-aid/what-to-do-if-your-child-has-an-accident/ for advice on first aid for burns, poisoning and more.
NHS 111 can help if you’re not sure where to go
Call NHS 111 or visit 111 online. They can direct you to the nearest urgent care service, or book an appointment with an out of hours doctor. They can also book an appointment at the Emergency Department for you if it is an emergency. This may reduce your wait.
Yes, it’s not life-threatening but I need help urgently
If you need urgent medical attention, but it’s not life-threatening you can go to your nearest minor injuries unit, urgent treatment centre or walk-in-centre. They are open at least 12 hours a day (some are open 24 hours a day), every day. They deal with conditions such as:
- sprains and strains
- suspected broken limbs
- minor head injuries
- cuts and grazes
- bites and stings
- minor scalds and burns
- ear and throat infections
- skin infections and rashes
- eye problems
- coughs and colds
- high temperature in child and adults
- stomach pain
- being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea
- emergency contraception
- Find your nearest minor injuries unit, urgent treatment centre or walk-in-centre
Urgent Treatment Centre, Leigh Health Centre (Leigh Infirmary) 7am to 9pm Telephone: 01942 483453
NHS 111 can help if you’re not sure where to go
Call NHS 111 or visit 111 online. They can direct you to the nearest urgent care service, or book an appointment with an out of hours doctor. They can also book an appointment at the Emergency Department for you if it is an emergency. This may reduce your wait.
- First Aid advice
The NHS A-Z of health conditions gives advice on how to treat various conditions at home before seeking medical help.
Call NHS 111 or visit NHS111 online for more advice or if you’re not sure what to do
- Additional information about infants and children
A minor injuries unit, urgent treatment centre or walk-in-centre can deal with many of the everyday children’s ailments and accidents. It can be difficult to know when to take your child to the Emergency Department (A&E).
Take your child to A&E if they:
- have a fever and are still sluggish (floppy), despite having paracetamol or ibuprofen
- have severe tummy (abdominal) pain
- have a leg or arm injury and cannot use the limb
- have swallowed a poison or tablets
Call an ambulance if your child:
- stops breathing
- is struggling for breath (for example, you may notice them breathing fast, panting, becoming very wheezy, or see the muscles just under their ribcage sucking in when they breathe in)
- is unconscious or seems unaware of what’s going on
- has a cut that will not stop bleeding or is gaping open
- will not wake up
- has a fit for the first time, even if they seem to recover
NHS 111 can help if you’re not sure where to go
Call NHS 111 or visit 111 online. They can direct you to the nearest urgent care service or book an appointment with an out of hours doctor. They can also book an appointment at the Emergency Department for you if it is an emergency. This may reduce your wait.
Child First Aid
Visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/first-aid/what-to-do-if-your-child-has-an-accident/ for first aid advice for burns, cuts, swallowing non-edible objects/substances and more.
No, but I need medical treatment
During working hours, contact your GP to make an appointment. If you aren’t registered at your local surgery, find your nearest GP
NHS 111 can help if you’re not sure where to go
Call NHS 111 or visit 111 online. They can direct you to the nearest urgent care service or book an appointment with an out of hours doctor. They can also book an appointment at the Emergency Department for you if it is an emergency. This may reduce your wait.
- Mental health support
Mental health services in the Wigan Borough are provided by Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH).
- GMMH 24/7 Helpline 0800 051 3253
- Samaritans or call 116 123 (24/7)
- Emergency dentists
If you need help with an urgent dental problem, call the Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Care Service on 0333 332 3800, available from 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays.
You can only get an appointment with this service if you don’t have a dentist, or if your dentist is closed.
- Pharmacies
- Sexual health services
Spectrum delivers sexual health services for women, men and young people across Wigan and Leigh. To access these services call 01942 483188 or visit Spectrum.
- Other sources of help and advice
- NSPCC (safety of a child): www.nspcc.org.uk/
- Refuge (domestic abuse help): www.refuge.org.uk/
- Help after rape and sexual assault: www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/help-after-rape-and-sexual-assault/