Northern Health and Social Care Trust – Phone First

A new ‘Phone First’ service for Northern Ireland is being trialled across a number of Emergency Departments (ED) including Causeway ED.

The ‘Phone First’ service will ensure patients can get direct access to the right care, avoid busy Emergency Departments and stay safe.

The Causeway Hospital ED in Coleraine will launch ‘Phone First’ from 10am on Tuesday 17 November 2020 and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The ‘Phone First’ number to ring is 0300 123 1 123

The ‘Phone First’ text relay number is 18001 0300 123 1 123

Interpreter Now – Visit site

The service is designed for patients including children who are feeling unwell and considering travelling to Causeway Hospital ED with an injury or illness which requires urgent treatment but is not immediately life threatening.

For all emergencies that are life threatening always call 999 immediately. This can include: Stroke, heart attack, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or major trauma.

It is important to note that Emergency Departments will always be a safe place for patients, and if they attend an ED without ringing first, they will not be turned away.  If their condition is not life threatening they may have to wait longer or be signposted to another service.

Patients who Phone First will be directed to the appropriate service for their needs. Those who are directed to attend ED will be assessed and prioritised based on their condition.

https://www.northerntrust.hscni.net/PhoneFirst

http://www.northerntrust.hscni.net/PhoneFirstFAQS