Help other families feel confident seeking urgent care

You might want to share:

• Why you decided to go to A&E
• What your experience was like
• Waiting times and treatment
• What helped you feel reassured

Why Sharing Matters

Your experience can:

• Help other parents make informed decisions
• Reduce fear around hospital visits
• Encourage early action
• Support confidence in seeking care

A Safe and Respectful Space

• You can share anonymously
• Your experience will be treated with care and respect
• There is no pressure to share

👉 Share your experience and help another family

Understanding when A&E is the right choice

👶 Scenario 1: Suspected Broken Arm

“My child fell and wouldn’t move their arm.”

👉 Action: Went to A&E
Outcome: X‑ray confirmed fracture and treatment provided

💬 Why it matters: Injuries needing assessment should be seen urgently

🔥 Scenario 2: Burn Injury

“I accidentally burned my hand while cooking, and it became very painful.”

👉 Action: Went to A&E
Outcome: Treated and given care advice

💬 Why it matters: Burns can worsen quickly without treatment

👶 Scenario 3: Severe Vomiting

“My baby couldn’t keep anything down and seemed very weak.”

👉 Action: Went to A&E
Outcome: Assessed and treated for dehydration

💬 Why it matters: Dehydration in babies can become serious quickly

🤱 Scenario 4: Post‑Birth Infection Concern

“I had pain and signs of infection after birth.”

👉 Action: Went to A&E
Outcome: Treated and given follow‑up care

💬 Why it matters: Post‑natal complications need prompt attention

Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety.

✅ 1. Arrival & Registration

• You will check in at reception
• Basic details will be taken

✅ 2. Triage (Assessment)

• A nurse will assess how urgent your condition is
• Patients are seen based on severity — not arrival time

👉 More serious cases are seen first

✅ 3. Waiting Time

• You may need to wait if your condition is less urgent
• Staff will monitor your condition while you wait

✅ 4. Treatment & Care

You may:

• See a doctor or specialist
• Have tests (e.g. X‑ray, blood tests)
• Receive treatment for injury or illness

✅ 5. Next Steps

You may:

• Be sent home with advice
• Be referred for follow‑up care
• Be admitted to hospital if needed

✅ Possible Outcomes

After visiting A&E:

• 🩺 Treatment provided and discharged
• 📋 Referral to GP or specialist
• 🏥 Admission for further care
• 🗣 Advice and reassurance if no serious issue found

👉 A&E ensures you receive the right level of urgent care

You should visit A&E if you or your child has a serious condition that needs urgent attention, including:

🚑 Serious Injuries

• Broken bones
• Deep cuts or wounds
• Head injuries
• Burns or scalds

🫁 Breathing & Chest Concerns

• Severe breathing difficulties
• Sudden chest pain
• Severe asthma symptoms

🧠 Changes in Awareness or Behaviour

• Confusion
• Extreme drowsiness
• Sudden severe symptoms

👶 For Babies & Children

• High temperature with unusual behaviour
• Not feeding or responding normally
• Severe vomiting or dehydration
• Injury or sudden illness

🤰 During Pregnancy or After Birth

• Severe pain
• Unusual or concerning symptoms
• Signs of infection or complications

👉 If you are unsure whether it is an emergency, call NHS 111 for advice

Sometimes, a situation is serious enough that you need to be seen urgently in hospital, but may not always require calling 999.

Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments are there to provide immediate medical care for serious injuries and urgent health concerns.

At Basch Helps, we want families to feel confident in knowing:

👉 When A&E is the right place to go — and what to expect when you arrive

💛 What Is A&E?

A&E (Accident & Emergency) is a hospital service that provides:

• Urgent medical treatment
• Emergency care for serious conditions
• Assessment by doctors, nurses, and specialists

👉 Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

⚖️ A&E vs 999 (Quick Reminder)

• 🚑 Immediately life‑threatening? → Call 999
• 🏥 Serious but stable? → Go to A&E
• 📞 Unsure? → Call 111 first

👶 For Parents & Families

Deciding to go to A&E with a baby or child can feel stressful.

👉 Trust your instincts if:

• Your child seems very unwell
• Symptoms are worsening
• Something doesn’t feel right

You will never be judged for seeking help

💛 A Reassuring Message

Many parents worry about:

• “Is it serious enough?”
• Going to A&E unnecessarily
• Long waiting times

👉 Please remember:

Your child’s health and your safety always come first

⚠️ When A&E May Not Be Needed

If your situation is not urgent:

• Call NHS 111
• Contact your GP
• Visit a pharmacist

👉 This helps ensure A&E is available for the most urgent cases

❤️ How Basch Helps Can Support You

We understand that hospital visits can feel overwhelming.

We can:

• Offer emotional support after difficult experiences
• Help you understand what happened
• Signpost you to follow‑up services
• Support you as part of your wider journey

👉 You are not alone in navigating healthcare