If you decide not to wait (Adult)
Date issued: May 2025
For review: May 2027
Ref: C617/DS/ed/If you decide not to wait adult
PDF: If you decide not to wait adult.pdf [pdf] 147KB
This leaflet describes what to do if you decide not to wait to be seen and what other options there might be to get the help you need.
Wait times can be very long currently as the entire healthcare system is under huge pressure. Sometimes people understandably decide not to continue waiting to be seen in the Emergency Department (ED). We would always encourage you to stay, at least until you have been seen and triaged by one of our experienced nurses. If you do decide not to wait we would be very grateful if you could let the receptionists know so that we don’t spend time looking for you.
If you decide not to wait there are a number of alternative options if you still think advice or assessment is required:
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It may be that your GP is a better person to take care of you. They are aware of your prior history and will be able to offer continuity of care. All local GPs are still seeing patients face to face when this is needed and will see patients urgently when they think it is required. If the GP thinks you have a problem that is best seen by a specialist doctor or nurse, they can often refer you directly to them rather than needing to come to the ED first.
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If you have a minor illness or injury, please consider going to the local Urgent Treatment Centre (The Cumberland). There are also Minor Injury units at Kingsbridge, Tavistock and Launceston.
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Pharmacists are also able to offer advice on minor injuries and illness.
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If you are completely unsure you can contact NHS111 (either online or by phone) for advice on where to go.
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If you require mental health support, you can phone one of the following numbers for help:
Plymouth: 0800 9239323
Devon: 0808 1968708
Cornwall: 0800 0385300
If you leave the ED, please also be aware of the following:
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If you get worse or change your mind you can come back at any stage. The fact that you did not wait previously will not affect your care in any way although you will obviously have lost your place in our queue.
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If you can at least wait until you have seen a triage nurse that would be useful. This gives us the opportunity to briefly assess how urgently you need to be seen or advise if an alternative destination may be more appropriate for you.
