Following the long-delayed opening of the new A&E and critical care unit at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick, the A&E Department at Sandwell General Hospital has been closed. It is now being called an Urgent Treatment Centre. As a result, we recommend that people call 111 if they need help after an accident or are ill and plan to visit a walk-in centre
IF IT IS AN EMERGENCY AND YOU NEED AN AMBULANCE, YOU SHOULD DIAL 999.

While the glossy pamphlet the Trust has sent out includes some examples of when to use the two centres, patients should not be expected to know what is defined as urgent and what is an emergency, and are unlikely to remember the difference when they need to use them.

Some patients are being turned away from the old A&E Department at Sandwell General Hospital in West Bromwich, and sent to the new hospital in Smethwick. This is unacceptable and the two hospitals should be able to accept each others’ patients in emergencies, and cross refer afterwards. While ambulance paramedics and GPs can be expected to understand the type of treatment required, and which hospital to use, victims of accidents or injury (or their family members) should not be expected to self-refer themselves to the “correct” hospital. Call 111 to get instant medical advice and be directed to the best care facility for your needs.