Contact Us
LOCAL GUIDE TO EDINBURGH HOSPITALS
Hello, my name is Scott Falconer – I am a Paramedic based in Edinburgh, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (registration number PA34199).
I have been a Paramedic for 17 years and have served the local Edinburgh and Lothians community for over 10 years, and am also the Managing Director of 1st Focus Homecare.
This Edinburgh hospitals guide aims to help local residents understand which hospital options are available to them in the Lothian region. The sections below provide information about each hospital.
It covers the location, telephone number, and most importantly, which services are available at each hospital.
It is important to note that Edinburgh only has two hospitals that have an active A&E department for adults, these are the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (RIE) and St John’s Hospital. There is also a specialist emergency unit for children at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People which is sitatuated next door to the RIE in “Little France”.
ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY HOSPITALS
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE)
51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA
Tel No: 0131 536 1000
ROYAL INFIRMARY HOSPITAL SERVICES
Accident and Emergency, Acute Medicine, Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCN), Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Laboratories, Maternity, Gynaecology and Neonatal Units, Medicine of the Elderly, Orthopaedic Surgery, Renal (kidney) Medicine and Dialysis, Respiratory Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Stroke Medicine, Transplant Surgery (kidney and liver transplant), Vascular Surgery
“Every crew in the region knows the Royal is the oldest voluntary hospital footprint in the country, but out on shift, we respect it as a powerhouse. When we look at the modern BioQuarter campus, we’re looking at a legacy of world firsts. This is where the UK’s first successful kidney transplant happened back in 1960, and it’s where the world’s very first coronary care unit was built in ’64. When we’re blue-lighting a critical cardiac patient down the Old Dalkeith Road, we know we’re bringing them to the exact birthplace of modern heart emergency care.” — Scott Falconer – HCPC
- Where do I go? – Drop-off bays are situated directly outside the Main Entrance, Accident & Emergency, and the Simpson Centre (Maternity). Paramedic Traffic Tip: The surrounding Old Dalkeith Road and the Little France roundabout completely gridlock during morning rush hour (07:30–09:00) and afternoon shift handovers (13:30–14:30 and 16:30–18:00). If you are driving a stable patient in,avoid the city bypass entirely—use the back route via the A7 through Danderhall to slip into the BioQuarter from the southern end and avoid the clogged main roundabout.
- Where can I park? – Public parking is available on-site in Car Parks 1, 2, and 3. Unlike most Scottish hospitals, the RIE car parks were built under a historic Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract and charge a fee (although all charges are suspended at the moment for visitors). Alternative: If the site is completely full, your best alternative is the Sheriffhall Park & Ride (EH22 1RX). It is completely free to park there, and the Lothian Buses 33 and 49 run every few minutes, dropping you right at the hospital doors in under 10 minutes.
- Where can I eat and drink? – Inside the main mall, you’ll find an Starbucks, Aroma Coffee Bar, a Marks & Spencer Foodhall, and a WHSmith for standard grab-and-go options. There is also a hot-food staff and public restaurant located on the ground floor of the North Corridor. Local Cafe Picks: If you need a breather away from the hospital atmosphere, take a 5-minute drive down to The White House Community Café on Niddrie Mains Road, or stop by Craigmillar Castle Cafe just to the north for a quick roll and a brew.
St John’s Hospital
Howden Road West, Howden, Livingston, EH54 6PP
Tel No: 01506 523 000
ST JOHN’S HOSPITAL SERVICES
24/7 Accident & Emergency (A&E), Accident and Emergency, Burns, Cardiology, Dermatology, Ear, Nose and Throat, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, General Medicine, General Surgery, Gynaecology, Haematology, Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine of the Elderly, Mental Health – managed by West Lothian CHCP, Nephrology, Neurology, Obstetrics, Opthalmology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Plastic Surgery, Renal Dialysis, Respiratory Medicine, Rheumatology, Stroke Medicine, Surgical Paediatrics
“St John’s opened its doors in 1989 to replace the legendary old Bangour General, and it brought a massive piece of medical history with it. It’s home to the McIndoe Burns Centre, which carries on the direct clinical legacy of Sir Archibald McIndoe—the surgeon who revolutionised plastic surgery while treating severely burned Allied aircrews in WWII. When we bring a severe burns case into Livingston, we know they are entering one of the most advanced reconstruction units in the country.” — Scott Falconer – HCPC
- Where do I go? – The main drop-off area is located directly outside the front atrium off Howden Road West. Maternity has its own dedicated, secure drive-through loop and drop-off bay on the eastern flank. Paramedic Traffic Tip: The Almondvale area and the main access roundabouts fill up rapidly between 08:00–09:00 and 16:30–17:45 due to local retail and commuter traffic. Approach from the A899 via Howden South Road to hit the hospital from the back side, avoiding the main shopping centre gridlock entirely.
- Where can I park? – Parking is entirely free. The main public parking area is Car Park P, which operates an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system to ensure spaces are kept strictly for patients and visitors rather than staff. Alternative: If the main bays are full, the barriers at the staff Car Park B are lifted for the public every afternoon from 14:45 onwards to accommodate visiting hours.
- Where can I eat and drink? – There is a welcoming public cafe located right in the main entrance atrium, alongside a full hot-food dining room located on the top floor of the building. Local Cafe Picks: Just a 10-minute walk or 2-minute drive away is the Livingston Inn or the massive Centre (Livingston Mall), which features everything from a quiet Costa to bakeries like Bayne’s.
Victoria Hospital (Kirkcaldy)
Hayfield Road, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY2 5AH
Tel No: 01592 643355
VICTORIA HOSPITAL SERVICES
Full 24/7 Accident & Emergency (A&E), Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), Maternity & Labour Ward, Neonatal/Special Care Baby Unit, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Haematology/Oncology Day Unit, National Treatment Centre (Fife Orthopaedics), Pediatrics, Renal Outpatients.
“When our crews cross the bridge into Fife, the Victoria’s massive 11-story Modernist tower dominates the horizon. Back in 1897, this was just an isolated fever hospital built to quarantine typhoid and diphtheria outbreaks. When they built that massive tower block in the late 1960s, engineers had to use highly specialised foundations to keep it secure because of the active coal mine shafts running deep beneath Kirkcaldy. Today, it’s a bustling acute trauma hub that keeps us on our toes.” — Scott Falconer – HCPC
- Where do I go? – The main drop-off zone sits directly outside the large glass atrium of the Phase 3 building via Hayfield Road. The A&E emergency drop-off is separate and clearly marked further down the ring road. Paramedic Traffic Tip: Dunnikier Road and Hayfield Road choke up heavily between 08:15–09:15 and during afternoon visiting hours. To bypass the main town-centre congestion coming from Edinburgh, exit the A92 early at the Redhouse Roundabout and approach from the east via the safer, quieter outer ring roads.
- Where can I park? – Parking is entirely free on-site. Patient and visitor parking is strictly designated in Car Park C right outside the main glass atrium. Alternative: If Car Park C is packed, look for spaces in the overspill car parks off Dunnikier Road, or utilise the pay-and-display on-street parking options along Hayfield Clinic roads, which charge minimal local council rates.
- Where can I eat and drink? – The main Phase 3 glass atrium houses a large public Costa Coffee, a WHSmith, and a dedicated ‘Grab and Go’ hot food counter serving soups, baked potatoes, and hot snacks until 15:00. Local Cafe Picks: Walk 5 minutes down the hill to the Co-op supermarket for quick snacks, or check out The Steadings, a highly popular local spot nearby offering standard pub food and quiet coffee tables.
This short survey is designed to help families decide if a family member needs care, and if so, what the best options are.
Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP)
50 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ
Tel No: 0131 536 1000
ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN HOSPITAL SERVICES
Dedicated 24/7 Paediatric Accident & Emergency (A&E), Paediatric Intensive Care, Children’s Surgery, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Paediatric Oncology, Neonatology.
“For generations of local families and medics, this will always be ‘The Sick Kids.’ We spent over a century dropping patients off at the beautiful, red-sandstone building in Sciennes near the Meadows. The massive move out to Little France in 2021 was a monumental logistical feat. As paramedics, navigating the dedicated blue-lit emergency drop-off loop on Little France Drive today is a completely different world, but the incredible clinical spirit of the old site carried right across the city with it.” — Scott Falconer – HCPC
- Where do I go? – There is a highly accessible, dedicated drop-off loop right outside the main pediatric entrance on Little France Drive. Paediatric Emergencies have an entirely separate, blue-signed drop-off point to the side. Paramedic Traffic Tip: Because this sits on the same BioQuarter campus as the RIE, it shares the same heavy rush hour traffic (07:30–09:00). If you have a stressed child in the back, avoid the slow-moving queues on the main Little France spine road if possible.
- Where can I park? – Public parking is handled within the main visitor car parks (Car Parks 1 and 2 are closest). The same PFI parking rates apply here (up to a £7.20 daily cap, suspended at the moment). Alternative: Use the Sheriffhall Park & Ride for free parking and hop on a quick connector bus, or search for spaces via parking apps on the nearby residential streets of Moredunvale Road or Fernieside, which sit just outside the strict hospital enforcement zone.
- Where can I eat and drink? – The children’s hospital features its own modern internal cafe area, and it is directly linked via an indoor corridor to the RIE Main Mall, giving you seamless access to the M&S Foodhall and Aroma Coffee Bar. Local Cafe Picks: For a kid-friendly escape from the clinical environment, a short drive to the Dobbies Garden Centre Cafe at Lasswade gives you a large seating area, hot food, and a much more relaxed pace.
SPECIALIST HOSPITALS
Western General Hospital (WGH)
Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU
Tel No: 0131 537 1000
WESTERN GENERAL HOSPITAL SERVICES
Acute Medicine, Breast Surgery, Cardiology, Colorectal Surgery, Diabetes, Dietetics, Endocrinology, Endoscopy, Gastroenterology, General Medicine, General Surgery, Haematology, Infectious Diseases, Laboratories, Medicine of the Elderly, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Renal Dialysis, Respiratory Medicine, Rheumatology, Stroke Medicine, Urology
“If you’ve ever tried to navigate an ambulance through the tight, twisting layouts off Crewe Road South, you can feel the history. The Western started life in 1868 as the Craigleith Poorhouse, built out of local stone from the nearby quarry. During WWII, it actually housed the exiled Polish School of Medicine. Today, while we don’t bring major trauma cases here anymore, it’s evolution into a world-class regional cancer hub means it holds a very distinct, deeply respected place in our daily routing.” — Scott Falconer – HCPC
- Where do I go? – The primary drop-off loop is off Crewe Road South for the Main Outpatients and Cancer Centre. For the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), use the dedicated drop-off zone outside the Royal Victoria Building via Porterfield Road. Paramedic Traffic Tip: The Ferry Road and Crewe Road South roundabouts become a bottleneck between 08:00–09:15. If you’re hit with gridlock, cut through Comely Bank and approach via Carrington Road to access the south gate—it bypasses the worst of the main road tailbacks.
- Where can I park? – Patient and visitor parking is free on-site, but spaces are notoriously tight due to ongoing campus upgrades. Alternative: If you cannot find a space, drive 2 minutes down the road to Craigleith Retail Park (EH4 2LN). Parking is free for up to 4 hours, and it’s a level 5-to-10-minute walk back up to the hospital campus.
- Where can I eat and drink? – Inside the hospital, you have the Cafe Aroma in the Royal Victoria Building, a Baguette Bar in the North Corridor (Outpatients), and the main canteen in the Alexander Donald Building. Local Cafe Picks: Head right outside the gates to the Costa Coffee or Sainsbury’s Cafe within the Craigleith Retail Park. Alternatively, walk 10 minutes down into Stockbridge/Comely Bank to visit Mimi’s Bakehouse for incredible local cakes and speciality coffees.
Whyteman’s Brae Hospital
Whyteman’s Brae, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 2NA
Tel No: 01592 643355
WHYTEMAN’S BRAE HOSPITAL SERVICES
Mental Health Services (including Ravenscraig Ward), Rheumatology Service & Regional Fife Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Care of the Elderly, Community Psychiatry, Hospital at Home Hub (Kirkcaldy/Leven).
“Right next door to the Vic sits Whyteman’s Brae, and from a paramedic’s view, you immediately notice the design difference. It was built as a low-rise, campus-style layout with open therapeutic gardens. It’s home to the Fife Regional Rheumatic Diseases Unit, and that architectural layout was highly intentional—it gives long-term rehab and rheumatology patients level, low-stress environments to regain their mobility. It’s a completely different pace from the chaotic acute bays next door at the Vic.” — Scott Falconer – HCPC
- Where do I go? – As a dedicated low-rise rehab and mental health facility, you can drive directly up to the main front doors via Whyteman’s Brae road for a level, zero-step drop-off. Paramedic Traffic Tip: Traffic directly on Whyteman’s Brae is rarely congested, but it can bottleneck where it meets the main Victoria Hospital loop. Always check the main Victoria entry road first; if it looks blocked, take the Willow Crescent back-street cut-through to reach Whyteman’s Brae stress-free.
- Where can I park? – Parking is completely free in the small dedicated lots scattered directly around the low-rise buildings. Alternative: Because this site sits immediately adjacent to the main Victoria Hospital campus, if the immediate Whyteman’s lots are full, you can freely use Car Park C at the Victoria and follow the short, level footpath linking the two sites.
- Where can I eat and drink? – There are basic vending options inside the reception hubs, but the main facility relies on the adjacent Victoria Hospital infrastructure. Local Cafe Picks: Walk less than 3 minutes into the Victoria Hospital Main Atrium to use the full Costa Coffee or Grab and Go hot counter. For an independent option, KitschnBake down by the nearby harbour front is a short drive away and legendary locally for artisan coffee.
Discover what the latest 1st Focus Homecare survey reveals about care quality, dignity, safety, and continuous improvement across Edinburgh, direct from our service users. Our aim with this survey is to provide the general public with full transparency about our care service levels.
East Lothian Community Hospital
Alderston Road, Haddington, EH41 3PF
Tel No: 01620 642700
EAST LOTHIAN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SERVICES
Endoscopy Procedure rooms, IV therapy, Shared Therapies Department (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Music therapy), Extended outpatients department to include mental health, children’s services, phototherapy service, Pharmacy, Step-Down Care, Medicine for Elderly Ward, Dementia Ward, HBCCC (Continuing care for Elderly Ward), RVS Cafeteria with open courtyard and seating, Patient Sanctuary room and garden
“When we drive into Haddington today, we’re looking at a stunning, modern £70 million facility that sits on the old Roodlands Hospital footprint. But the local history runs incredibly deep here. During the redevelopment excavation, archaeologists discovered that the hospital grounds sit directly on top of medieval structures linked to the 12th-century St Mary’s Abbey. It means this exact plot of land has been a place of sanctuary, healing, and community care for nearly a thousand years.” — Scott Falconer – HCPC
- Where do I go? – A modern, streamlined drop-off loop sits right at the main entrance off Alderston Road in Haddington. Paramedic Traffic Tip: Traffic here is generally smooth, but the nearby A1 junction can back up briefly around 08:30. Slide into the site via the old Haddington road (A199) if the main dual-carriageway off-slip looks congested.
- Where can I park? – The site boasts excellent, modern, completely free public parking spaces situated directly in front of the main clinical entrance. Alternative: In the rare event that the main lot is full, there is completely free, unrestricted on-street parking along the adjacent Alderston Road avenues.
- Where can I eat and drink? – The facility features a beautiful, modern internal therapeutic cafe counter near the main lobby, serving artisan coffees, fresh sandwiches, and baked goods. Local Cafe Picks: Take a 2-minute drive into the historic Haddington town centre to visit The Waterside Bistro right on the river, or grab an independent espresso and artisan roll at Falko Konditorei.
Midlothian Community Hospital
70 Eskbank Road, Bonnyrigg, Dalkeith, EH22 3ND
Tel No: 0131 454 1000
MIDLOTHIAN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SERVICES
Care of the Elderly, Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Outpatient Clinics, Long-term Conditions Management, 40 frail elderly continuing care beds, 48 frail elderly mental health beds, 24 assessment beds for older people with mental health problems, 24 continuing care beds for older people with mental health problems, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy service, Out-patient department, X-ray service, Child health clinics, Out-of-Hours GP service
“Our crews remember when this opened in 2011 to replace the historic, deeply missed cottage hospitals like Rosslynlee and Loanhead. The NHS built this site to be an eco-pioneer, featuring an advanced biomass heating system and a timber footprint designed to flood the wards with natural daylight. Interestingly, that emphasis on open air and natural light mimics the traditional ‘sanatorium’ healing philosophies used in the historic Scottish convalescent homes of the past.” — Scott Falconer – HCPC
- Where do I go? – The drop-off point is positioned directly in front of the main reception doors off Eskbank Road, featuring flat, level access for wheelchairs. Paramedic Traffic Tip: The Eskbank Toll roundabout can get heavily backed up around 08:15–09:00 with local school and commuter traffic. Approach from the Hardengreen side (via the A7) to slide into the hospital entrance cleanly before hitting the main roundabout bottleneck.
- Where can I park? – Parking is 100% free with a large, easily accessible public car park positioned right at the front gates. Alternative: If the main bays are full during peak clinic times, you can park at the nearby Eskbank Train Station Park & Ride for free and take a quick 5-minute walk down the footpath.
- Where can I eat and drink? – Inside, there is a lovely, bright community cafe run near the main entrance that provides hot drinks, fresh soups, and daily baking. Local Cafe Picks: Drive 2 minutes to the Dobbies Garden Centre at Melville for a massive restaurant area, or visit the independent Gigi’s Italian Cafe nearby for exceptional coffee and lunch options.
Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion
Chalmers Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9HA
Tel No: 0300 7900 615
PRINCESS ALEXANDRA SERVICES
Specialist Ophthalmology (Eye Care), Acute Eye Unscheduled Care Clinic, Ophthalmic Surgery, Artificial Eye Clinic, Orthoptics, Ocular Prosthetics
“Tucked right into Chalmers Street, this iconic brutalist building opened in 1969. The architecture is actually a brilliant piece of engineering—the surgical theatres were custom-designed to completely isolate delicate eye surgeries from the heavy vibrations of Edinburgh’s city traffic. It’s also famous in clinical circles for housing some of the earliest trials that pioneered using lasers to treat diabetic blindness, saving the sight of thousands of locals over the decades.” — Scott Falconer – HCPC
- Where do I go? – There is a very tight, dedicated patient drop-off bay directly outside the front doors on Chalmers Street. Paramedic Traffic Tip: This is central Edinburgh, meaning Lauriston Place is a permanent congestion zone. Never try to turn around on Chalmers Street. Drop your passenger off, continue down the one-way system, and loop out via Lady Lawson Street to keep from getting completely stuck.
- Where can I park? – There is no dedicated public parking on-site at this central facility. Alternative: Your closest option is the pay-and-display street parking on Chalmers Street or Lauriston Place (expensive and limited to 2–4 hours). For longer stays, use the Quartermile NCP Multi-Storey Car Park (EH3 9AU) located a 2-minute walk away, which charges standard city centre commercial rates.
- Where can I eat and drink? – There is a small WRVS snack shop inside the main waiting area for basic hot drinks and newspapers. Local Cafe Picks: You are in a prime city location. Walk 1 minute onto Lauriston Place to visit Soderberg for top-tier coffee, or check out The Forest Cafe or Cafe 150 down the street for great local independent rolls and snacks.
Leith Community Treatment Centre
12 Junction Place, Edinburgh, EH6 5JA
Tel No: 0131 536 6225
LEITH COMMUNITY TREATMENT CENTRE SERVICES
Dietetics, Learning disabilities, Midwifery, Minor surgery, Older People’s Rehabilitation and Assessment, Outpatient department, Physiotherapy, Radiology (X-rays), Sexual Health
“Leith has an incredibly proud, independent identity, and when this centre opened in 2004, it was the first of its kind in Scotland. It pioneered a ‘one-stop-shop’ model. Instead of forcing Leithers to travel all the way up to the main acute hubs for minor procedures, diagnostics, or therapies, the NHS flipped the script and had the hospital consultants rotate out into the community. It completely changed how local care is delivered across the region.” — Scott Falconer – HCPC
- Where do I go? – Drop-off options are situated directly outside the main doors on Junction Place, right in the heart of historic Leith. Paramedic Traffic Tip: Leith traffic is notoriously unpredictable due to narrow historic streets. Avoid the main Great Junction Street bottlenecks by approaching via Bonnington Road and turning down Tennant Street to access the centre cleanly from the back.
- Where can I park? – There is a small, dedicated free underground and surface car park for patients accessible directly from the Junction Place entrance. Alternative: If the small on-site lot is at capacity, use the free customer parking at the nearby Tesco Superstore on Duke Street (EH6 8HL), which is a level, 5-minute walk away from the treatment centre.
- Where can I eat and drink? – The internal lobby area features a small cafe counter providing teas, coffees, and quick breakfast or lunch rolls. Local Cafe Picks: You are spoiled for choice in Leith. Walk 2 minutes to the Shore area to visit Toast for incredible independent coffee, or visit Williams & Johnson coffee roasters at the Custom House for the best espresso in the area.
LOCAL EXPERT TIP
For urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, NHS Lothian requires patients to call 111 first to be triaged. This grants scheduled access to the Minor Injury Units (like the one at the Western General) and prevents unnecessary waiting at the main A&E at the Royal Infirmary and Victoria Hospitals.
As a serving paramedic, I come across many instances where people have called for emergency attention but may have been better served by calling 111 first.
Having an acute medical condition or emergency is a scary thing, especially for the families of seniors. Try to remain calm and call 111 first; they can then expedite an ambulance if needed. This actually leads to a faster response time overall.
FAQ: EDINBURGH HOSPITALS
How long does it take for an ambulance to arrive?
Ambulance response times in Scotland depend on how serious the medical emergency is. The Scottish Ambulance Service prioritises life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, severe breathing difficulties and major trauma, meaning these incidents receive the fastest response. Less urgent conditions may take longer, particularly during periods of high demand.
If you are supporting an older relative at home, recognising early signs of deterioration can often prevent an emergency from developing. Professional home care can play an important role by identifying changes in a person’s health, mobility or wellbeing and ensuring medical advice is sought at the earliest opportunity.
As an NHS paramedic and Registered Care Manager, I have seen first-hand how early intervention can improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions. If you believe someone has a life-threatening emergency, always call 999 immediately.
Can a paramedic perform emergency treatments in my home?
Yes. Paramedics are trained to assess, diagnose and provide emergency treatment in a person’s home. Depending on the patient’s condition, they can administer emergency medications, manage airway and breathing problems, treat injuries, monitor vital signs and decide whether hospital admission is necessary.
Many patients can now be safely assessed and treated at home without needing to attend a hospital, while others may require immediate transport for specialist care. Working as an NHS paramedic before becoming a Registered Care Manager in home care, I understand how important it is to recognise when someone’s condition is changing. Well-trained carers who know the person well can often identify subtle changes that may indicate infection, dehydration, falls risk or worsening long-term conditions, allowing appropriate medical support to be arranged quickly.
What is NHS 111?
NHS 111 is a free healthcare advice service available 24 hours a day for urgent medical problems that are not life-threatening. You can contact NHS 111 by calling 111 or by using the NHS 111 online service for advice about symptoms, illnesses and injuries.
The service is staffed by trained advisers with support from nurses, paramedics and other healthcare professionals. Depending on your needs, NHS 111 may provide self-care advice, arrange an appointment with an out-of-hours GP, refer you to another healthcare service or, if necessary, arrange an emergency ambulance.
If someone is unconscious, has severe chest pain, is showing signs of a stroke, is struggling to breathe, or has another life-threatening condition, you should always call 999 immediately rather than NHS 111. For older adults receiving care at home, understanding when to use NHS 111 and when to call 999 can help ensure they receive the right care as quickly as possible.
How long will I be in A&E?
There is no fixed answer, as the length of time you spend in an Accident & Emergency (A&E) department depends on the seriousness of your condition, the number of patients requiring treatment and whether you need tests, scans or admission to hospital. Patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries are always treated first. This means that someone who arrives after you may be seen before you if their condition is more urgent. Whilst this can sometimes be frustrating, it ensures that those who need immediate emergency care receive it as quickly as possible.
If you require blood tests, X-rays, CT scans or specialist reviews, your time in A&E may be longer while staff wait for results or for the appropriate hospital team to assess you. Some patients can be treated and discharged within a few hours, while others may need to remain in the department until a hospital bed becomes available.
As an NHS paramedic and Registered Manager, I know that many older people attend A&E because their condition has deteriorated gradually rather than as the result of a sudden emergency. Early recognition of changes in health, prompt medical advice and good home care support can often prevent unnecessary hospital visits and help people remain safely at home.
If your condition worsens whilst waiting to be seen in A&E, you should inform a member of staff immediately so your condition can be reassessed.
If I go to the hospital, will my home care package remain in place?
Whether your home care package remains in place whilst you are in hospital depends on how your care is funded.
If you pay privately or have chosen Option 1 with the City of Edinburgh Council
If you fund your own care privately, or you have selected Option 1 (Direct Payment) through the City of Edinburgh Council, you decide how long your home care package remains open whilst you are in hospital. Many people choose to keep their care package in place if they expect to be discharged home within a short period, as this helps ensure a smooth return home without any interruption to their care.
Please note that if you choose to keep your package open, you will continue to be charged for your agreed care during your hospital stay. If you decide to cancel your care package whilst in hospital and later wish to return to 1st Focus Homecare, we will do everything we reasonably can to reinstate your package with the same carers and visit times. However, as our services are planned around staffing availability and existing commitments, we cannot guarantee that your previous carers or visit times will still be available.
If you have chosen Option 2 and 1st Focus Homecare manages your Individual Service Fund (ISF)
If you have chosen Option 2 (Individual Service Fund) and 1st Focus Homecare manages your care package on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, your package can normally remain open for at least two weeks whilst you are in hospital. After this period, the City of Edinburgh Council may review your circumstances and decide whether your home care package should remain in place or be temporarily closed, depending on your expected discharge date and ongoing care needs.
If you have chosen Option 3 and the City of Edinburgh Council arranges your care
If you receive a home care package under Option 3, where the City of Edinburgh Council commissions and manages your care at home directly, your package will generally be closed after approximately seven days in hospital. If you require care again following discharge, the Council will normally reassess your needs and arrange a new package of care. This process can sometimes result in delays and there is no guarantee that your previous care provider, carers or visit times will be available.
Unsure which option applies to you?
If you are unsure how your home care is funded or what will happen to your package if you are admitted to the hospital, our team will be happy to explain your options and help you make the decision that best supports your return home.
At 1st Focus Homecare, we work closely with hospitals, families and the City of Edinburgh Council to help ensure a safe, well-planned discharge and continuity of care wherever possible. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Amy at the 1st Focus office on Tel No: 0131 510 7878
1st Focus Homecare Newsletter
Join our newsletter to keep up to date with all the news related to elderly care in Edinburgh. Our newsletter is sent out weekly and contains news and tips on healthy living and healthy eating for the elderly.
We have a great library of posts that are shared on our news page with helpful tips for individuals and families who are looking for homecare in Edinburgh.
