Health Services

Emergency Department

Emergency departments work on a triage system. This means that when you arrive, a medical assessment is carried out to see how urgently you need medical care. We will see and treat everyone who presents to the emergency department, starting with the sickest people first.

What is the triage system?

The first triage system was developed at Ipswich Hospital and the concept is now used worldwide. It exists to ensure the sickest people are treated first. While all patients at emergency departments may be experiencing serious illness or injury, those with life-threatening and severe conditions must be treated first.