Advice for those dropping loved ones at A&E leaflet

Your support and patience is much appreciated during this unprecedented time

Unfortunately anyone attending A&E (also known as our Emergency Department) must attend alone, unless they are:

in which case a family member or carer may accompany them.

If you are concerned and would like an update about a loved one currently in our A&E department please call 01296 418300.

NB this line is very busy and information can only be provided to next of kin.

If you are attending A&E:

Make sure you have the correct phone number for your next of kin with you so staff can call with updates or request further information.
You should also have the phone number of the person who will be collecting you from A&E (if not the same as next of kin).
Try and make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone with you (and a charger) so you can update your loved ones directly and pass on approximate timings for being collected after you assessment, any tests or treatment.
Try and bring a book or magazine with you to help pass the time.

If you are a family member, carer, friend or supporter you must either wait in your vehicle or return home.

Your loved one will be cared for by staff while in A&E.
If A&E is busy, consultations and tests could take several hours. Please wait at home if you can.
Due to infection control measures we are unable to allow visitors into the hospital to use our toilet facilities.
You will be contacted by staff when your loved one has been assessed and can be picked up, or to let you know if they are being admitted.
Please call 01296 418300 if you are worried about your loved one.

Collecting patients following discharge from A&E

If the patient attending has been assessed and can be discharged from A&E they will either contact you directly or a member of staff will call you to let you know that they can be collected.
When you arrive to collect them, please do not enter the A&E department. Either call your loved one or call 01296 418300 and ask a member of staff to let the patient know you are outside the department waiting for them.