Emergency Health Services in East Lothian

Accident and Emergency

There are no Casualty Departments in East Lothian. 

Accident and Emergency (A&E, Casualty) and 999 services are for emergency situations only. Please think carefully before using emergency services.

People who use these services for minor problems may prevent others with emergencies from getting immediate care.

An emergency is a critical or life-threatening situation, for example:

• unconsciousness
• heavy blood loss
• suspected broken bones
• deep wounds, such as stab wounds
• suspected heart attack
• difficulty in breathing.

If you attend an Accident and Emergency Department and your condition is not an emergency, you will be advised to contact your own family doctor. However, if you have a minor injury, you could visit the Western General Hospital Minor Injuries Unit in Edinburgh. There are three Accident and Emergency Departments in Lothian. They are at:

If you are in any doubt about whether a child’s condition is an emergency, contact your family doctor who will decide whether attendance at Accident and Emergency is necessary.

Parents of children with diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and conditions where urgent care may be needed, should be fully aware of what actions might need to be taken in an emergency. Your family doctor, liaison nurse, or the team of specialists looking after the child can offer further advice.

Parents should be aware of the things their child might complain of if they have meningitis or blood poisoning related to the meningitis bacteria, for example:

• fever
• irritability, which may be made worse rather than better by cuddling
• loss of appetite
• vomiting
• unusual lethargy or sleepiness
• rash.

The child may also resist bending his/her neck. Babies and young children may experience seizures, and in babies, the spaces between the baby's skull may bulge or feel tense to the touch.  Bring your child to A&E straight away.

Emergency dentists

If you need emergency dental treatment, contact one of the units below. 

• Daytime Emergencies: Chalmers Dental Centre, 3 Chalmers Street, Edinburgh
• Children under 16 attend Edinburgh Dental Institute at 9.00 am or 1.45pm, 3rd Floor, Lauriston Building
• After 5pm, phone Lothian Dental Advice line tel: 0131 536 4800

Pharmacies that open late or on half-days

For details, please click here. (pdf)