Emergency Department

The Emergency Department (A & E) at The County hospital operates 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

NHS 111 first

If you need medical help fast, but your condition is not life threatening, you can call NHS 111 or visit NHS111 online. 

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the number is free to call and is staffed by trained advisors and experienced clinicians who can assess you, offer advice and direct you to the right place to get the medical care you need as quickly as possible. 

Emergency Department waiting times

You can access our Emergency Department waiting times here.  Please consider NHS alternative if you need medical help fast, but your condition is not life threatening, you can call NHS 111.

Visiting/patients being escorted - updated 22/2/22

There are no specific visiting times - patients in ED can be escorted by one relative/carer while they receive treatment in the department

How to Find Us

Find out how to find us.

Parking

If you're bringing a friend or relative to the Emergency Department there is a short stay pay and display car park with limited spaces near the front of the Emergency Deprartment.

What to expect on arrival

• When you arrive at the Emergency Department, at the County Hospital in Hereford, as a patient, after registration, you will be assessed by a nurse who will determine the nature of your illness or injury and how urgent it is for you to be seen. Read more about what to expect on arrival.

Waiting times

• We continue to strive to see and treat all Emergency Department patients within four hours.
• How long you will have to wait will depend on the number of patients attending at the time and the complexity of their clinical need.

If you have a minor injury or illness

If you have a minor illness or injury click on the link below to access information and contact details for: self care; local pharmacies; GP surgeries, out of hours GP access; emergency dental treatment; Minor Injury Units and when to call NHS 111.   

Please note: some Minor Injury Units CLOSED.  Please call NHS 111 if you need medical advice for minor illnesses or ailments.

Find out about alternative NHS services including minor injury units.

Same Day Emergency Care Unit 

• Our Same Day Emergency Care Unit works alongside the Emergency Department allowing specialist hospital staff to rapidly assess and diagnose patients whose condition can be treated without the need for an overnight stay in hospital. 
• It operates seven days a week.
• Patients are referred to the unit by Emergency Department staff or their GP for conditions such as chest problems, abdominal pain, and seizures.

Friends and Family Test

• The Friends and Family Test is a simple question that patients are asked about the care they have received.  The test is part of a  way of gathering patient feedback and driving improvement in NHS hospital services across the country. To find out more about the Friends and Family Test click here.