Accident and Emergency - Save A & E for when you really need it
A & E at the William Harvey Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
To ensure you receive the most appropriate care in a timely manner please ensure you only use A & E services for serious or life threatening illnesses or injuries. If your condition is not serious or you are unsure, please contact your GP or NHS 111.
Nearly 400,000 people went to A&E in Kent during the last financial year - almost one in four of the entire local population. If you lined all these people up, they would stretch around the M25 three-and-a-half times, that’s 188 miles.
According to an NHS survey, 12 per cent of people admit to using A&E when they knew they didn’t need to. Doctors and nurses are asking the public to save A&E for emergencies and serious injury and illness only.
A&E provides a vital service for people in Kent and we need to make sure that it is saved for serious accidents, illnesses and emergencies. You never know when you or your family will need this life saving service.