How to get help

It is usually obvious if a person is seriously ill and needs immediate emergency care from the ambulance service or the local accident and emergency department.

Some examples would be a person who: has stopped breathing or is bleeding heavily.

The East of England Ambulance Service provides a 24-hour accident and emergency service. When you call 999 a telephone operator will ask you which emergency service you need the police, fire or ambulance service.

In a medical emergency you should ask for an ambulance. You will be put through to an emergency medical dispatcher in the emergency operations centre. They will ask you:

  • the exact location of the incident
  • whether the patient is conscious, breathing, has serious bleeding or chest pain, and the type of injury or illness

For urgent medical help or advice: Call 111

You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency. Call 111 when:

  • you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency
  • you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
  • you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call
  • you are experiencing a mental health crisis and don't know who to call
  • For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist.

Women‘s bodies go through a lot of changes during pregnancy. While some bouts of discomfort and irritation can be self-managed, others should be checked out by a medical professional. Please see below for symptoms to be aware of in pregnancy.  Always contact a medical professional if you are concerned or worried.  We will always be happy to take your call and provide you with the right advice, care and attention.

Maternity Triage: Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week: 01923 217 343

  • Baby’s movements: if at any time, from 16 weeks, you feel your baby is moving around less frequently or slowing down or has changed the pattern of their movements1.
  • Abdominal pain: while it is normal to have slight contractions throughout pregnancy (this is when you feel your stomach contracting and relaxing, often referred to as Braxton Hicks), contact us if you experience a sudden, sharp ongoing pain that will not go away.
  • Bleeding (more than 16 weeks of pregnancy): whilst bleeding in pregnancy can be normal, it can also be a sign that something is wrong, especially if it is accompanied by pain.
  • Severe itching: while itching is common in pregnancy, severe itching without a rash (particularly in the last four months of pregnancy) can be a sign of a potentially dangerous liver disorder.
  • Contractions: If you feel that you think that you are in labour.
  • High Temperature: and/or feel unwell.
  • Headaches or dizziness: may indicate a change in your blood pressure which could be dangerous in pregnancy.
  • Your waters have broken

General Practitioner (GP – Doctor)

  • Pain when passing urine: this could be a sign of infection which will need treatment. Drink plenty of fluid and contact your GP within 24 hours. 
  • Swollen ankles or hands: normally common, but any sudden changes should be reported to your GP or midwife as it could be a sign of pre-eclampsia — high blood pressure and fluid retention in pregnancy.
  • Vaginal discharge: a discharge that is smelly or bloodstained may be an infection and you should be seen by your midwife or GP.
  • Diarrhoea, vomiting or high fever: any sudden ‘acute’ illnesses should be communicated immediately to your GP or midwife

Early Pregnancy Unit: 01923 217 831

 

  • Spotting or Bleeding (Pink, Brown or Red Discharge): For severe bleeding please go to A&E
  • Abdominal Pain: For Severe pain please go to A&E
  • Two or more previous miscarriages
  • 1 Previous ectopic pregnancy

If you have had a booking appointment you can call EPU and book an appointment yourself

If you haven’t had a booking appointment, call your GP or midwife, inform them of your symptoms and they will make the referral to EPU.

Clinic hours: Monday – Friday 08:50 – 16:30, Saturday 10:00 – 16:00. Appointment by referral only, by your doctor of midwife.