Emergency care
We provide emergency care for our local communities across north east London and beyond. Our patients come first, and every year we care for more than 300,000 emergency patients.
Should I attend A&E?
A&E is for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies. It's important that you don't delay seeking treatment when you need it. With access to the very latest therapies and treatments, and some of Britain's leading specialists, we are ready to care for you and your loved ones.
Please visit when to go to A&E. If you are not sure and need further advice, check your symptons online.
Where to find us
We have three departments across north east London
Where to find us
The Royal London Hospital (Tower Hamlets)
- Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1FR
Newham Hospital (Newham)
- Glen Rd, London E13 8SL
Whipps Cross Hospital (Waltham Forest)
- Whipps Cross Rd, London E11 1NR
Get help for your symptoms with 111
Get access to the right care with 111
If you think you need medical help, but you are unsure where to go or what you need, 111 can tell you what to do next. Find help for your symptoms or injury, prescription and medicine information, and more.
NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way for you to get urgent help from the comfort of your own home. You can call 111 now, or visit 111 online for more information.
Get help for your mental health
Get help for your mental health
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 111 and choose option 2 where you will receive mental health support from a trained professional.
People of all ages, including children, who are in crisis or concerned about a loved one can use the service. NHS staff will provide next steps such as face-to-face community support, or access to alternative services.
Pharmacy
Talk to your local pharmacist
Pharmacists can provide advice on various health issues, including coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections, and general aches and pains.
They can recommend over-the-counter treatments, and for certain conditions, they can also prescribe medication without the need to consult a GP first.
Visiting a minor injuries unit
If you have a minor illness or injury and it cannot wait until your GP is open you can visit one of our minor injuries unit or urgent treatment centres. Find out if you should visit.
Urgent treatment centres
- Newham Hospital. Open daily from 8am-11pm.
- The Royal London Hospital. Open 24 hours daily and is located in Clinic 1 at the The Royal London Hospital’s Cavell Entrance on Stepney Way.
- Whipps Cross Hospital. Open 24 hours daily and is located on the hospital main corridor at Junction 5.
Minor injuries unit
- St Bartholomew’s is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. It is located in Kenton and Lucas block of the hospital. Please note the minor injuries unit is closed on bank holidays. The minor injuries unit at St Bartholomew's will be closed from Thursday 27 June 2024 and will reopen on Tuesday 2 July 2024.
Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC)
Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC)
SDEC provides same day specialist care for emergency patients, without admitting them to a hospital bed.
You may be referred to SDEC when you attend A&E, or sent by your GP or an ambulance. SDEC is available at Newham, Whipps Cross, and The Royal London Hospital.
Additional needs
For adults and young patients with additional needs attending A&E can be overwhelming. When you arrive please inform reception and your treatment team of any additional needs so that we can support you exactly how you need.
Our A&E at The Royal London Hospital is the first in London to be accredited by the National Autistic Society.
We know that A&E is a noisy, bright, unpredictable and highly stimulating environment. As a department we welcome all adults with additional needs, and our staff are keen to support and champion all.
We will do our best to place patients with additional needs in spaces where light and noise can be more controlled, although sometimes there may be a delay in identifying and making this space available when we are very busy.