A visit to Accident & Emergency (A&E) can be a long and stressful experience. However, being prepared can help you get a faster, more accurate assessment and make your stay more comfortable.
Whether you are going for yourself or a loved one, here is how to prepare.
Do Not Drive: If you are unwell enough to need A&E, you are likely not in a fit state to drive. Furthermore, parking at hospitals can be difficult and expensive.
Ask for a Lift: Ask a friend or family member to take you, or call a taxi.
When to call 999: Only call an ambulance for life-threatening emergencies. If you can get to the hospital safely by car or taxi, you should do so to keep ambulances free for those in critical danger.
Doctors in A&E often don’t have immediate access to your full GP records. Providing this information yourself can significantly speed up your treatment.
Medication List: Bring your current prescriptions or the actual boxes of medicine you take.
Allergies: Have a clear list of any drug allergies.
Medical History: Note down any major past operations or chronic conditions (e.g., Diabetes, Heart Failure).
ID & Numbers: Have your NHS number and hospital number (if you have one) ready.
You will likely be examined, have your blood pressure taken, or have blood drawn.
Loose Clothing: Wear easy-to-remove layers. Short-sleeved tops are best for blood tests and blood pressure cuffs.
Comfortable Shoes: You may have to walk between different departments (e.g., X-ray).
Even if you expect to go home (about 90% of A&E patients are discharged), the process usually takes over 4 hours. If you are admitted, you’ll be glad you have the essentials.
| Category | Items to Pack |
| Electronics | Mobile phone and an extra-long charging cable. |
| Hygiene | Toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. |
| Comfort | Slippers or sandals and a change of underwear. |
| Essentials | A credit/debit card for snacks or hospital parking. |
| Entertainment | A book, tablet, or headphones (A&E waiting rooms can be noisy). |
While emergencies can’t be scheduled, A&E departments follow daily patterns.
The “Golden Hour”: Arriving around 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM is often the quietest time, as the night rush has subsided and the daytime demand hasn’t yet peaked.
Peak Times: Weekday evenings and weekend nights are typically the busiest periods with the longest wait times.
Be Patient: Patients are seen based on clinical need, not arrival time. A person arriving after you with a more serious condition will be seen first.
Stay Hydrated: Unless you have been told not to eat or drink (e.g. in case you need surgery), keep a bottle of water with you.
Charge Your Phone: Communication with family is vital, and hospital waiting rooms rarely have enough spare plugs.
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