Accident and Emergency (A&E)

The Emergency Department provides a 24-hour emergency service for the people of Barnsley and the surrounding area. A nurse will assess you as soon as possible after your arrival.

Patients are seen in order of urgent priority, as opposed to arrival time. This means that you may need to wait quite a long time to be seen. 

Two ambulances parked outside Barnsley Hospital

Should I attend A and E?

You should attend Accident and Emergency, if you are experiencing a genuine life-threatening emergency, such as:

  • loss of consciousness
  • chest pain
  • breathing difficulties
  • a stroke, or symptoms of
  • breathing difficulties
  • severe burns or scalds
  • severe allergic reactions
  • a suspected heart attack
  • severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
  • acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
  • major trauma such as a road traffic accident

If you visit our A & E, please keep in mind:

  • you may have to wait if your condition is not life-threatening
  • following initial assessment patients are seen in order of urgency
  • if you have questions about your treatment, please ask a member of staff
  • if you choose not to wait please let us know before you leave

NHS 111 can advise you on the most suitable place to go for advice or healthcare. You can use the NHS 11 website to get advice on symptoms and what to do, or you can phone on 111. 

Get in touch

Call us on
01226 432788

Minor injury service

This is a nurse-led team who provide treatment specifically for minor injuries. You’ll be assessed on arrival and treated by one of our dedicated Emergency Nurse Practitioners.

This service is available every day between 8am and 9.30pm, and available from 7am on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.

If you attend with a minor injury outside these hours, you might experience a longer waiting time.

Examples of minor injuries

  • sprains and strains
  • burns and scalds
  • eye injuries and eye problems
  • joint injuries
  • cuts and grazes
  • broken bones
  • insect and animal bites
  • foreign bodies in ears and eyes
  • crush injuries and bruising

Please talk to your own GP about non-emergency issues

If you have any of the following conditions, you would be better managed by your GP who is better trained to deal with medical problems that are not emergencies:

  • general aches and pains
  • coughs, colds and sore throats
  • requests for prescriptions, x-rays or sick notes
  • other problems that have been present for a few days

Please get in touch with your local dentist if you are experiencing dental problems.

Robert's story - emergency cardiac (heart) treatment

Robert talks about his positive experiences in receiving emergency care for cardiac (heart) issues at the Emergency Department, Barnsley Hospital. 

Video file

Information for people discharged from A&E

Our team in the Emergency Department might refer you to any of the information listed below when you or your child are discharged from A&E. There is a different set of information for children and young people.

See information for children and young people