Emergency Department (ED)
Page updated: 16.01.23
Do I need ED?
The NHS is currently experiencing extremely high levels of demand.
This is most noticeable at a hospital's 'front door', with the Emergency Department (also known as Accident and Emergency - A&E) becoming very busy, which can lead to long waits to be seen.
Only come to the ED at Morriston Hospital if you or a loved one have a life-threatening illness or injury such as breathing difficulties, persistent severe chest pain, heavy blood loss, severe burns, loss of consciousness, suspected stroke, deep wounds.
Where else can I get help?
- Go to the 111 Wales website to check symptoms and for advice on a wide range of conditions including next steps.
- Visit your local community pharmacy for advice and treatment for a wide range of common ailments. Some pharmacies also provide a sore throat test and treat service for those aged six and over. Go to this page on our website for further information on the sore throat test and treat service including which pharmacies are taking part.
- Dental/gum pain - Contact your own dentist as they can provide emergency treatment. If you are not registered with a practice or develop a problem outside of normal working hours ring 111 and they will help you find your nearest emergency dentist.
- Due to staffing pressures the MIU opening hours have temporarily changed to 8am-9pm, seven days a week, at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Baglan Way, Port Talbot, SA12 7BX. It can treat anyone age one and up. You are likely to be seen far quicker here than at ED in Morriston Hospital.
Important announcement regarding MIU:
Due to ongoing staffing pressures we have made the difficult decision to temporarily reduce the opening hours of the Minor Injury Unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital.
It is now available from 8am until 9pm, seven days a week, for a period of nine months, rather than the previous times of 7.30am-11pm.
We will have staff available on the hospital site who can redirect anyone turning up between 9pm and 11pm.
Anyone needing urgent attention that cannot wait until the following day should use 111 or, if it is serious enough, the Emergency Department at Morriston Hospital.
The Minor Injury Unit is an important part of Swansea Bay’s urgent and emergency care services. We have no intention of making this a permanent change and we are recruiting additional staff.
We are working closely with Llais, the independent organisation which represents the views of health and social care service users and patients across Wales.
Previously, we have had to close the MIU early at short notice on several occasions. This caused difficulties for patients who turned up expecting to be seen only to have to go to Morriston Hospital instead.
On average, five patients a day attended the MIU between 9pm and 11pm. Closing temporarily at 9pm allows us to provide a sustainable service, with the least impact on patients.
We hope you will understand the reasons for the change. Be assured we are doing all we can to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
Please note the MIU is for minor injuries only and cannot treat serious illnesses or serious injuries. It cannot deal with patients with an illness, suspected heart attack, chest pains or stroke.
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The MIU can treat: |
The MIU CANNOT treat: |
| cuts and minor burns | illnesses such as Covid or flu |
| sprains and strains | coughs, colds and sore throats, including temperature |
| broken bones | earache |
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dislocation of the shoulder, fingers and toes |
rashes |
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head and facial injuries with no loss of consciousness and where the patient is not taking anticoagulant (blood thinner) medication |
chest pain |
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neck injuries, where you are mobile with no pins and needles in your arms |
stroke |
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back injuries where you are mobile and the pain has not occurred from you twisting your back or lifting something |
breathing problems |
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foreign bodies to eyes, ears and nose |
dental problems |
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non-penetrating eye and ear injuries |
accident with injury to abdomen/stomach |
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rib injuries where you are not coughing up blood and you don’t have a chest infection |
urinary infections, cystitis or catheter problems |
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insect stings |
painful limbs, joints or backs |
| assaults |
skin complaints including boils and rashes |
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wounds that have not been caused during an accident |
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.