Service Description: A full Accident and Emergency service is offered at the North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple. This service runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is for people who are experiencing a severe illness or injury.
The Trust meets, and usually exceeds, the waiting time target where at least 98% of patients are seen, diagnosed and treated within 4-hours of arrival.
Service Location: North Devon District Hospital
Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for an ambulance to take you to A&E for emergencies such as:
- Unconscious/unresponsive.
- Heavy bleeding.
- Suspected broken/fractured bones.
- Deep wound such as a stab wound.
- Suspected heart attack.
- Difficulty in breathing, e.g. asthma attack.
- Chest Pains.
- Head Injury.
Once you arrive at the A&E department, a doctor or nurse will assess your condition and decide on further action. You may have to wait a short while before you are seen.
There is an operational standard in place for A&E services, where 98% of people attending A&E should be seen, diagnosed and treated within four hours of arrival, to help ensure that the care is timely.
Telephone 01271 322 577 to be put through to the A&E department.
DG writes: ‘Dear Rob, Just a brief note to let you know how grateful I am to you and your wonderful professional skills. Just two weeks ago I fell off my bike and you cared for me and glued my chin together. There isn’t a mark, all has healed so beautifully and it is down to you. It really is quite amazing and it means that I won’t have to tell my mother – thank you especially for that.’
NON-EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
In addition to major A&E departments there are a range of other services available for less critical
illnesses or injuries. In North Devon these are called Minor Injury Units. They can provide timely care for patients without an appointment.
Minor injury units (MIU) are often nurse led services offering assessment and treatment for minor ailments and injuries such as cuts, bruises, minor infections and strains. We can also assess, x-ray and treat simple fractures
There are a number of ways of assessing and treating minor injuries and ailments. If you are unsure whether to seek medical advice, please call NHS Direct 0845 4647 or Devon Doctors 0845 671 0270 and ask for guidance.
