If you need a large print, audio, braille, easy-read, age-friendly or translated copy of this page, email the patient information team at uclh.patientinformation@nhs.net. We will do our best to meet your needs.

Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_1.png Some people arrive at the emergency department by ambulance
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_2.png Some people can walk into the emergency department
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_3.png If you have walked into the emergency department you need to speak to the receptionist
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_4.png They will ask you some questions about yourself
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_5.png They will then give you a wristband – it is important you wear the wristband, so we know who you are
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_6.png You then need to take a seat in the waiting room – listen carefully for your name to be called out
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_7.png A nurse will talk to you about why you have come to the emergency department - they will decide how quickly you need to be seen
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_8.png You will then go back to the waiting room – listen carefully for your name to be called again
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_9.png A nurse or doctor will take you to one of the following places
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_10.png

Urgent treatment centre
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_11.png You go here if your condition is not life threatening - the doctor or nurse will assess you here
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_12.png

Rapid assessment and treatment
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_13.png This is where tests and treatment start for more poorly patients
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_14.png

Resus
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_15.png This is where very sick patients go - they are closely monitored and receive intensive treatment
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_16.png If you start to feel more unwell while you are waiting, speak to a nurse, talk to the desk or ask for help
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_17.png If you need any medicine for pain, speak to a nurse
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_18.png You may have to go for an x-ray or scan
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_19.png Your x-ray or scan results will be looked at by a doctor
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_20.png This can take a while so please wait patiently for the results
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_21.png The emergency department can be very busy – because of this we usually ask relatives and visitors to wait outside the department
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_22.png We know people with a learning disability may need someone with them
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_23.png This is OK but there should only be 1 or 2 people with you at a time
Emergency_Department_Easy_Read_24.png If you have a hospital passport, make sure you show it to the nurses and doctors

 

Printing of this document is only valid on the day printed, please refer to the website for most up to date information:

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/emergency-department-easy-read-1

Page last updated: 08 April 2025

Review due: 01 April 2027