Launch Recite Me assistive technology

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We’re here to help you feel better, safely and as quickly as possible. This page explains what happens when you come to the Emergency Department.

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  • Check in at reception.
  • We aim to assess you within 15 minutes. This first check is called triage.
  • Triage means a nurse will ask about your symptoms to decide how urgent your case is. The sickest patients are seen first.

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Depending on your needs, you’ll go to one of these areas:

  • Clinical Assessment – a nurse, doctor or another relevant clinician will check you in more detail. They will ask questions, examine you and decide what care you need. This could include treatment, tests or longer stay in ED
  • Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) – for conditions that can be treated and managed in one day without staying overnight.
  • Minor Injuries – for less serious, minor problems.

While you wait, we may repeat checks like blood pressure or temperature. If your pain gets worse or you feel unwell, tell a member of staff.

Sometimes you may not need to stay in ED. If your condition can be treated elsewhere, we’ll direct you to:

  • Pharmacy First
  • Walk-in Centre (WIC) or Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC)

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  • Waiting times are shown in the waiting room.
  • Patients are seen based on how sick they are, not the time they arrived.
  • If you feel worse while waiting, please tell us.

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You may need:

  • Blood tests
  • ECG (heart tracing)
  • X-rays or scans
  • Urine samples

If tests show something serious, you’ll be seen sooner. Once results are ready, a clinician will explain them to you and tell you what happens next.

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SDEC is used for specific conditions that can be safely managed without an overnight stay.

This service helps patients get tests, treatment, and procedures on the same day, avoiding long waits or hospital admission.

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After assessment:

  • You may go home with advice, a prescription, or a referral.
  • If you need to stay in hospital, you’ll be admitted to a ward or other specialist area. You may need to wait for a bed.

If you decide to leave before being seen, please tell reception so we can update your records.

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  • Whiston Hospital: Vending machines in waiting areas; WHSmith and Costa on Level 1; restaurant on Level 5; toilets near reception.
  • Southport Hospital: Vending machines in waiting areas; shop and coffee shop at main entrance; restaurant on 2nd floor; toilets in the waiting area.
  • Ormskirk Hospital: Vending machines outside ED; restaurant and shop on 2nd floor; toilets in the department.

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  • Pharmacy First: For minor conditions like sore throat, earache, sinusitis, insect bites, impetigo, shingles, or urinary infections.
  • Urgent Treatment Centre / Walk-in Centre: For minor illnesses and injuries.
  • Your GP: For ongoing care, prescriptions, and follow-up after ED.

If you’re unsure what to do next, ask a member of staff before you leave.

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