About our service

We provide emergency care for people with serious life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Our team of medical and nursing staff work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assess and treat patients in our Emergency Departments at University Hospital of North Durham and Darlington Memorial Hospital.

All patients are assessed and triaged depending on the severity of their condition. Patients with the highest clinical need are seen first, rather than in time order. 

Unless directed by your GP or the Ambulance Service, it is advisable to call 111 prior to attending the Emergency Department as there may be a service more suited to your needs.

If you attend with a minor injury or illness you are likely to experience a longer wait and may be directed to an alternative service.

Please help us to help you.

Bring your medications to the Emergency Department

If you need to attend the Emergency Department, please bring all your medications with you. This includes:

  • Prescription medicines

  • Inhalers

  • GTN sprays

  • External preparations (e.g. skin creams, eye drops)

  • Injectable medicines, including insulin

  • Herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines

Bringing your medications helps prevent delays or missed doses, as not all medicines are immediately available in the Emergency Department. If you are unable to bring them, please try to bring a copy of a recent prescription.

Additionally, please inform us if you receive medications from outpatient clinics, cancer care services, or a home delivery service.

Other useful information to bring:

  • A list of any allergies

  • Details of your next of kin

  • Your current GP information

  • Your Health Passport

  • Your Emergency Health Care Plans

  • Any formal advance health decision documents

Our staff may not have access to all of your health records outside of our Trust. By bringing this information, you can help us provide the best possible care.

Thank you for your cooperation.