Accident and Emergency (also known as the Emergency Department)

We treat patients in an emergency at our Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

Also known as the Emergency Department (ED), we’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A&E treats patients with life threatening or serious conditions including:

chest pains
serious injuries
a suspected stroke
heavy blood loss
breathing difficulties and choking.

Call 999 or visit A&E immediately.

Not sure if A&E is the right place to go?

Call 111 or see our guide to emergency care and treatment We also have an Urgent Treatment Centre at Wycombe Hospital for minor injuries.

If you’re coming to A&E …

Come alone

You must come alone to reduce the risk of infection for yourself, other patients and our staff. Exceptions include patients who:

are under 18
have a learning disability, cognitive impairment, or autism
have communication challenges including hearing or visual impairments
do not speak English as their first language.

In these circumstances, you can bring one carer, parent, guardian or personal assistant.

Wear a face mask

You are required to wear a fluid resistant surgical face mask at all times in our A&E department, unless you are exempt.
Please use hand sanitiser before entering the building.

Bring these things:

next of kin contact details
the phone number of the person who will collect you from A&E
a fully charged mobile phone (and charger) to tell people at home about any tests or treatment you may need
a book or magazine to pass the time.

If you’re a family member, carer, friend or supporter

Unless you’re with a patient who has exceptional circumstances to bring someone with them (see above), you must either wait in your vehicle or return home.

We ask that you:

wait at home if you can – consultations and tests can take several hours

do not use the toilets for infection control reasons

wait for a call from our staff telling you to pick up your loved one or letting you know that they’re being admitted.

For updates about loved ones

Call A&E on 01296 418300. Our lines are very busy and we can only give information to next of kin.

Collecting patients following discharge from A&E

When you arrive, do not enter the A&E department. Call your loved one on their mobile phone or call 01296 418300 and ask us to let the patient know you’re outside waiting for them.

Accident and Emergency (also known as the Emergency Department)

Not sure if A&E is the right place to go?

If you’re coming to A&E …

Come alone

Wear a face mask

Bring these things:

If you’re a family member, carer, friend or supporter

We ask that you:

For updates about loved ones

Collecting patients following discharge from A&E

Contact

See also…

Emergency and Urgent Care

Safety measures remain in place in our Trust – Visitor restrictions still apply and everyone in our hospitals is required to wear a facemask, maintain social distancing and follow NHS safety measures.