Our hospital is extremely busy
Our hospital is extremely busy, and we have seen a large number of attendances to our Emergency Department. If you need medical help and advice the 111 phone or online service can refer into Emergency Departments or direct to Urgent Treatment Centres/Minor Injury Units if needed. However, always call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.
What can I do to help?
Our Emergency Department (ED)
Please use our Emergency Department if you have a life-threatening emergency. Please be aware that our service is very busy:
- If you have a life-threatening emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk – you should still call 999 immediately
- Patients who require urgent treatment, but do not have symptoms of a life-threatening condition, should call 111 or use the 111 service online
- If you attend ED, you will be seen by a clinician but you may be redirected to another service if you do not require urgent care
- If you have a minor illness or minor injury, local GP surgeries and pharmacies are open
- The Urgent Treatment Centre at the Cumberland Centre in Devonport is open every day to treat you if you have an injury which isn’t life-threatening, but requires urgent treatment
- Our Minor Injury Units at Tavistock and South Hams Hospital are also open every day. You can find out more about our UTC and MIUs here
- First Response is Plymouth’s 24/7 mental health crisis line. Staff are on hand to provide support to you or a loved one in a mental health crisis: 0800 923 9323
Family and loved ones
Please pick up your family or loved one from hospital as soon as they are medically fit to be discharged. Helping your loved one to return home will help us care for those people who are acutely unwell. Simple arrangements such as checking in, helping with meals, and supporting with daily tasks mean that people can get home more quickly and will be supported to stay well.
