If you’re unwell and have a minor injury or illness, there are different options available for treatment and advice rather than going straight to A&E. These options could involve advice from home, or treatment which is often closer to you. This could also save you time, as waits at A&E can be long for conditions that aren’t life‑threatening.
A&E is there for serious or life‑threatening emergencies. If you think it may be an emergency, call 999 or go straight to A&E. If you’re unsure, you can get urgent advice at any time by calling NHS 24 on 111.
Below are some common conditions and the steps you can take.
Injuries
Finger and hand injuries (cuts and suspected fractures)
Most finger injuries involving minor cuts can be treated at home by cleaning and dressing the wound.
If you have or suspect a broken finger bone, and there isn’t an open wound, treat at home by taping or bandaging the finger so it cannot move and attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).
Seek A&E treatment if the injury is more serious – for example, if bones are displaced, bones are visible in a wound, or there is a deep wound with heavy bleeding.
Ankle, wrist and forearm injuries (sprains, strains and suspected fractures)
Most common ankle, wrist and forearm injuries can be managed at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation.
If you are unable to walk, or there is severe swelling or deformity, attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).
Seek A&E treatment if the injury is more serious – for example, if bones are displaced, bones are visible in a wound, or there is a deep wound with heavy bleeding.
Lower back pain
Most back strains and sprains can be managed at home with pain relief and gentle movement, and may benefit from physiotherapy.
New severe back pain without injury, loss of power in the legs, or difficulty passing urine may be serious. You should seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.
Head injury
Minor bumps to the head or small wounds often do not require treatment and can be treated at home. Clean any wounds and apply ice to reduce swelling, if required.
For deeper scalp wounds, attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).
Seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 if you anyone has had a head injury and:
- Lost consciousness
- Are aged 65 or over
- Have persistent headache or vomiting
- Become confused or have a seizure
- Are taking blood‑thinning medication.
Illnesses
Coughs, colds and sore throats (viral infections)
Most viral infections, such as coughs, colds and sore throats, can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol.
See a local pharmacist or your GP if symptoms are more severe, persistent or worsening.
If you can’t take fluids, have breathing difficulties, or are unable to get out of bed, seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.
Stomach upset (diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting)
Most stomach upsets are viral and can be managed at home with rest and fluids.
See a local pharmacist or your GP if symptoms are more severe, persistent or worsening. You should contact your GP if you have other medical conditions such as HIV, diabetes, liver disease or if you have had a transplant.
If you are unable to keep fluids down, are vomiting blood, collapse, or have severe abdominal pain, seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.
Urinary symptoms (possible urine infection / UTI)
Minor symptoms of a urine infection, such as stinging when passing urine, can usually be dealt with by your local pharmacy in the first instance or by contacting your GP.
If symptoms are more severe, or you develop high fever, shivering, confusion or mottled skin, seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.
Eye problems
Many common eye problems, such as sore, red or sticky eyes, mild eye infections, or minor vision problems, can be assessed by high‑street opticians, who can advise on treatment or refer you on if needed.
If there is sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, or an eye injury, seek medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.
If you’re still unsure
If you’re not sure what to do, call NHS 24 on 111 for advice and help to get the right care for your needs.Broken finger
If you have a broken finger bone, and there isn’t an open wound.
Tape or bandage the finger so it cannot move and attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).