NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has moved to the Right Care, Right Place model for all emergency care, which means your experience of emergency care may be slightly different than before the pandemic.
The new model is there to ensure patients access the most appropriate care quickly and safely and will help protect the Accident & Emergency Departments (A&E) so they can look after those patients with life-threatening conditions, such as strokes, heart attacks, head injuries, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding.
When should you visit A&E?
A&E is there to deal with genuine life-threatening emergencies. It is for serious accidents or serious emergencies such as strokes, heart attacks, head injuries, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding.
If you come to A&E and it is not the best place for you to be treated, you may be redirected by staff towards the correct service for your needs. This could include a Minor Injuries Unit, a pharmacy, or your local GP. For more information please call NHS 24 on 111.
What should you do in an emergency?
If your condition is life-threatening, you should call 999 or go straight to A&E.
If it’s an emergency, and you need access to urgent care, but it’s not life-threatening, you should always first phone NHS 24 on 111, or, speak to your local GP before attending A&E.
NHS 24 or your GP will be able to provide you with the correct advice and treatment or refer you directly to the most appropriate service for your needs.
If you are referred to A&E by your GP or by NHS 24 you may be given time to attend.
If your condition is life threatening, you should always call 999 or go straight to A&E.
If it’s an emergency and you need access to urgent care, but it’s not life threatening, you should always phone NHS 24 on 111 first or, speak to your local GP before attending A&E.
If your child needs emergency care, know where to go
Wherever you live in the NHSGGC area, babies of 0-12 months should be taken to the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow.
Children over 1 year with a medical emergency or serious injury can go to The Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, the RAH in Paisley or Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
Major Emergency
If a child is seriously injured or becomes so unwell that you think it is an emergency you should dial 999 straight away. The Scottish Ambulance Service will usually take your child to the Royal Hospital for Children. Sometimes they may deem it more appropriate to go to a closer A&E.
About our A&Es
We have five A&Es that are always open to treat patients who have a serious injury or medical emergency.They are at:
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Royal Hospital for Children
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock.
Other services may be able to give you the treatment you need
If you think you need to visit A&E, but it’s not life-threatening, contact our Virtual A&E service by calling 111. You may be able to receive treatment without having to visit a busy A&E department.
For non-emergencies, there are Minor Injury Units (MIUs), GP services, NHS 24 on 111, and your pharmacy. If you are unsure which service is best for you, Call NHS 24 on 111.
Always call NHS 24 on 111 first to ensure you get the right care, right place, right time.
If you, or someone you know, needs support with mental health problems, in the first instance you should contact your GP. If required, your GP can then refer you to Mental Health Services in your local areas.
Information on mental health problems
You will find lots of useful information on the NHS inform website www.nhsinform.scot. You can also visit Heads Up at www.headsup.scot for advice, videos and support.
When you need urgent help
If you, or someone you know, needs urgent help or is in crisis, call NHS 24 on 111
If you just need to talk with someone, there is help available:
- The Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them on 116 123 (freephone) or email: jo@samaritans.org
- Breathing Space offers a confidential phone line for anyone in Scotland feeling low, anxious or depressed. You can call free on 0800 83 85 87.
What happens when the GP surgery and community services are closed?
Crisis services are available for patients who are already known to the Community Mental Health Services.
There is an out-of-hours Community Psychiatric Nurse service which can be accessed directly by calling 0845 650 1730.
The service is open:
- Monday to Friday, 8pm – 9am
- Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 4:30pm – 9am
You can also call NHS 24 on 111 for advice.
Local services
Crisis Services
There are crisis services available 24-hours a day, all year round.
Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 8pm and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 9.00am – 5pm, please use the numbers in the local directory below.
At all other times, please call 0845 650 1730.
Services in your area
Community mental health services for adults and the elderly, are available in your local area. You will find details below.
Glasgow North West
- Arndale Resource Centre (Crisis): 0141 211 6184
- Riverside Resource Centre (Crisis): 0141 211 1430
- Glenkirk Centre (Elderly): 0141 232 1300
- Shawpark Resource Centre (Crisis): 0141 451 2730
Glasgow North East
- Auchinlea House Resource Centre (Crisis): 0141 232 7200
- Arran Resource Centre (Crisis): 0141 232 1200
- Parkview Resource Centre (Elderly): 0141 303 8800
- Springpark Centre (Crisis): 0141 211 7000
- Belmont Centre (Elderly): 0141 232 6660
Glasgow South
- Brand St Resource Centre (Crisis): 0141 303 8900
- Rossdale Resource Centre (Crisis): 0141 232 475
- Elderpark Clinic (Elderly): 0141 232 7100
- Florence St Resource Centre (Crisis): 0141 232 7000
- Stewart Centre (Crisis): 0141 634 5430
- Shawmill Resource Centre (Elderly): 0141 577 7773
East Dunbartonshire
- Arndale Resource Centre (Crisis): 0141 211 6184
- Kirkintilloch Health & Care Centre (Crisis): 0141 232 820
- Woodlands Centre (Elderly): 0141 232 7300
West Dunbartonshire
Riverview Resource Centre (Crisis): 01389 812 070
East Renfrewshire
- Adult Mental Health Team (Crisis): 0141 800 7809
- Older People Mental Health: 0141 451 0860
- Team/Willow Clinic (Crisis):
Cambuslang/Rutherglen (South Lanarkshire)
Eastvale Resource Centre (Elderly and Crisis): 0141 531 4117
Renfrewshire
- Community Mental Health Services and Doing Well Service: 0141 849 2208
- The Intensive Home Treatment Service (only available in Renfrewshire) can be accessed by contacting your GP or NHS 24 on 111.
Inverclyde
Crown House
Available for patients who are already known to Community Mental Health Services and can be contacted on 01475 558000 (Select Option 2).
Alternatively, mental health services can be contacted through NHS 24 on 111.
In order to receive the full range of dental treatment and care under the NHS, you must be registered with a dentist. Your dentist will then provide regular check ups, planned routine treatment and emergency care, if required.
Further information
Which services do NHS dentists provide?
- Routine check ups and any care required
- Advise on how to keep your mouth healthy
- Dental hygiene including scale and polish
- Treatments such as fillings, crowns, tooth removal and root canal treatment
- Braces
- Wisdom tooth removal
- Bridges and dentures (false teeth)
- Emergency care if required.
What is a dental emergency?
- Abscesses and swellings in and around the mouth
- Bleeding
- Trauma – for example knocking out a tooth.
Who to contact when your dental surgery is closed
- Call the Dental Advice Helpline on 0141 201 4209
- At night, weekends and holidays, call NHS 24 on 111
- If you are unregistered and require emergency treatment, contact NHS 24 on 111.
If you have a minor injury, such as a cut that need stitches, a broken bone, a sprains or minor burn, please call NHS 24 on 111 and ask for our Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) service.
NHS 24 will give you advice on what to do next. This may include a video or telephone consultation, and/or, a face-to-face appointment at one of our MIUs.
If you are referred to the MIU, your assessment will be carried out by a team of highly experienced staff, led by Emergency Nurse Practitioners. They will give you quick access to health information, advice and treatment. Treatment includes being able to arrange x-rays if required, apply plasters or splints and stitch and dress wounds.
Further information
When should you visit a Minor Injuries Unit?
Your local MIU can treat you if you have:
- Cuts and wounds (including those that may need stitches)
- Minor burns and scalds
- Sprains, minor injuries or broken bones – in legs below the knee, and arms below the shoulder, where you can bear the weight through your foot or move your fingers (our experienced staff can arrange x-rays and apply plaster if required)
- Insect bites or other animal bites
- Tetanus immunisation after an injury
- Minor head injury – where there has been no loss of consciousness or vomiting, and no residual symptoms i.e. headache, nausea, visual disturbance, dizziness or any other symptom of concussion
- Removal of foreign bodies from eyes, nose or ears
- Nose injuries and broken noses
- Removal of rings, earrings and studs.
What if I’m ill?
The MIU does NOT deal with illnesses.
If you have a stomach upset, cough or a high temperature then self-care, your local pharmacy or your GP can give you any advice or treatment you may need.
If you’re unsure where to go, call NHS 24 on 111.
Which MIU should I go to?
Walk in appointments are available at all of our MIU sites, but we would encourage patients to call NHS24 on 111 to get a scheduled appointment first. This reduces waiting times and means you will be seen quicker by one of our highly experienced staff, led by Emergency Nurse Practitioners.
For children (under 16 years old) and babies
If you live in Greater Glasgow
If you live in the Clyde Area
For adults (anyone over 16 years old)
You can visit New Stobhill Hospital, New Victoria Hospital or Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The units are open 9.00am to 9.00pm every day of the year.
The Vale of Leven Hospital has a dedicated MIU which is open 8.00am – 9.00pm every day of the year. Outside these hours if you require a face-to-face appointment you will be seen by the GP Out of Hours Service.
Always call NHS 24 on 111 first to ensure you get the right care, right place, right time.
For alcohol and drug addiction problems you can either self refer directly to the local specialist teams or contact your GP. Crisis services are also available at the Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Crisis Service.
There are also various voluntary organisations operating in local areas to offer support for those who are having problems with alcohol or drug misuse.
Further Information
Which services are available?
This service offers open access to all. They receive referrals from a wide range of services but also welcome self-referrals, either through drop in or by telephone. They provide a range of care and treatment options for people living in Glasgow affected by drugs and/or alcohol. These services include:
- alcohol support and treatment, including community detoxification and protective medications
- drug support and treatment, including opiate replacement therapy
- support with a range of social issues
- support to young people affected by alcohol and / or drug issues
- support and treatment services to parents affected by alcohol and / or drug problems
- support and treatment services to those involved in offending and affected by alcohol and / or drug problems, and
- access to community-based and residential Alcohol Related Brain Damage services
- access to Employability services
- harm reduction advice and interventions
- needle replacement
- blood Borne Virus testing and treatment
- access to alcohol and drug Tier 4 services – psychiatry, psychology, occupational therapy, dietetics and hospital services (specialist in-patient and outpatients)
- assertive Outreach is offered both from locality teams and the Crisis Outreach Service
- access to residential rehabilitation services
- access to Drug Crisis Centre and Link up
- access to community Recovery Hubs, and
- Signposting to a range of support services and recovery communities.
How do I get a service?
You can contact your local Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service. If the service is for your own addiction issues then an assessment of need will be carried out. You can also get help from:-
• North East Glasgow Recovery Community
• North West Glasgow Recovery Community
• South Glasgow Recovery Community
What do I do if I need help urgently?
If you have a life threatening emergency then call 999.
If you just need help with your addiction then within office hours, you can contact your local Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service (this should link to list of services page – below) where you will be given an urgent appointment.
Out with office hours if the service is open, we will try to accommodate you. If we cannot and you have a drug problem, please phone Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Crisis Centre on: 0141 420 6969.
If you have an alcohol problem, please contact your own GP or out of hours service.
You can also access information and advice from Drinkline on:
Glasgow and Partners Emergency Social Work Service on:
You can also contact NHS 24 on:
24-hour helplines (Greater Glasgow and Clyde)
- Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 9177 650
- Narcotics Anonymous: 0300 999 1212
Sandyford is the specialist sexual health service for Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Sandyford Central is the headquarters based at Charing Cross Glasgow. There are also local clinics throughout the Glasgow and Clyde area. To find more information on the services they provide, opening times and clinic locations, visit: www.sandyford.org
Options for your pregnancy
If you are pregnant and are unsure about continuing with the pregnancy, you can speak to your own GP or to a member of staff at Sandyford Sexual Health Services. You can make an appointment to talk to a nurse about options on 0141 211 8620. They will explain your choices and will ensure you have the information and time you need to make a decision.
You can also visit the Sandyford website.
Booking an appointment
Sandyford is an appointment-only service. The best way to book an appointment for most services is online. Where a Sandyford service cannot be booked online, please book an appointment by calling 0141 211 8130, Monday to Friday, 8.45 am to 4pm.
Which services are offered?
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing
- Assessment for people who have recently been exposed to an STI
- Testing for people who may be at higher risk of STI or HIV
- PrEP services
- Contraception
- Abortion services
- Young people’s dedicated clinics
- Vasectomy
- Free Condoms
To find out more about Sandyford’s services visit the Sandyford website.
If you have a sexual health emergency
During opening hours Sandyford provides specialist emergency sexual health services for:
Exposure to HIV/ PEP access – call 01412118130
Emergency Contraception – call 0141 211 8130
Abortion Services – call 0141 211 8620
Archway Glasgow
Archway Glasgow is a SARCS – a Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service that cares for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted within the last 7 days. Archway Glasgow runs an appointment-only service but is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Find out more about Archway Glasgow by clicking the below button:
Other ways to access emergency contraception
Most pharmacies will be able to supply emergency contraception under the NHS. Many also provide access to free condoms as part of a Board-wide initiative.
When Sandyford is closed, but you need support
- Call NHS 24 on 111 for advice
- Emergency contraception is available from most pharmacies. Many also provide free condoms. Access PEP by attending your local Emergency Department.
If you have a problem with your eyes, please visit your local optometrist. Every high street opticians have an optometrist who provides NHS services.
- It should say If your optician is closed, and you can’t wait until it reopens, call NHS 24 on 111 right away.
- If you have an eye problem such as a scratch or something that is stuck in your eye, you should call NHS24 on 111 and ask for the Minor Injuries Unit. For eye injuries that requires immediate emergency treatment, you should go to your nearest A&E.
Children under 1
Children under 1 should still go to their local community optician, who can then refer onwards to other health care professionals in primary or secondary care if needed.
Call NHS 24 on 111 or visit NHS Inform if you are unwell and need some advice, when your GP or dental practice is closed.
If it’s an emergency, and you need access to urgent care, but it’s not life threatening, you should always first phone NHS 24 on 111, or, speak to your local GP before attending ED.
They will give you advice depending on your symptoms. This could be managing symptoms at home, or visiting your local pharmacy. If you need to see an on-call doctor or other health professional, they will arrange this for you.
You can also visit the NHS 24 website.
Other languages – NHS 24 and 111.
