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Emergency department or 999

Coronavirus (COVID-19)If you have coronavirus symptoms and need medical help for any reason, do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss/change in sense of smell or taste), use the 111 coronavirus service.

To keep people safe during the pandemic, and to avoid crowding in our emergency department and minor injury unit waiting rooms, we are asking you to contact 111 before visiting. Contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 at any time of day or night.

Arrangements have not changed for people with serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Please continue to dial 999 as before.

Local emergency departments are located at:

Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Treliske, Truro

Derriford Hospital
Crownhill, Plymouth PL6 8DH

North Devon District Hospital
Raleigh Park, Barnstaple EX31 4JB

Medical emergencies

Call 999 for emergency medical assistance following a serious incident, illness or injury, major blood loss, chest pain or loss of consciousness.

The emergency department and 999 are for serious and life-threatening conditions and for real emergencies only.

The emergency department is not an alternative to a GP appointment. If your GP practice is closed you can contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111, The team will direct you to the best local service to treat your injury.

Accessibility

If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. Emergency SMS is part of the standard 999 service which has been designed specifically for people with hearing loss or difficulty with speech.

You will only be able to use this service if you have registered with emergency SMS first. To register, text ‘register’ to 999. You will get a reply. Follow the instructions you are sent.

Please do not send test or non-emergency texts. Only use emergency SMS for real emergencies.

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