Our Emergency Department is in high demand
Our Emergency Department is extremely busy. Please only attend if your child is seriously unwell. If not, our NHS can help your family through other avenues.
Remember your local Pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way of getting advice on minor health conditions. They can offer treatment and prescription medications (if appropriate) for conditions such as earache, sore throat and sinusitis. You don't need an appointment and private consultation rooms are available.
Find your nearest Pharmacy using this link and find out more about the support they can offer online.
If you feel you need to, rather than attending our Emergency Department, contact your GP Practice or NHS 111 for advice.
We are seeing a high number of patients with flu currently. The Healthier Together website has some really useful information and advice for families about symptoms and where best to turn for support.
If you do need to attend our Emergency Department with your child, please do wear a face mask to protect yourself, other families and our teams caring for patients.
Visit NHS 111 Watch our common childhood illnesses and injuries top tips
Important Information if you do need to attend our Emergency Department
Our Emergency Department (ED) treats children from newborn to 15 years old. Any child attending after their 16th birthday will be redirected to an adult ED providing they are stable and safe to do so.
Children aged 16 and above who are under ongoing care of specialist teams at our Children's Hospital and yet to transition to adult services will continue to be seen at our Emergency Department if their presenting issue on the day relates to their ongoing care.
All patients under the care of Forward Thinking Birmingham who are 16 or over will be redirected to an adult ED where they can access Crisis services.
If you do need to attend our ED, we ask that only two people come with a child. That can be two adults or one adult/one child.
To stop any potential spread of infections all adults visiting our Emergency Department should:
- Wear a face mask throughout their time on site.
- Wash hands and use the hand sanitiser provided at stations regularly while with us.
- Respect our teams who are working hard to care for everyone during this busy period.
Thank you for your support and understanding.