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Emergency patients

King’s Emergency Department (ED) is one of the busiest in the country. About 25% of our patients are under 16, while 10% are over 65.

It is open to anyone who needs urgent hospital care because of an illness or accident. It is also often known as Accident & Emergency, A&E or Casualty.

We also run an Urgent Treatment Centre at King’s College Hospital. This is run in partnership with Greenbrook Healthcare (part of Totally plc).

Where is the ED?

See how to get to King’s for information on transport to the hospital, and the Map of King’s College Hospital. The ED entrance is close to several bus stops and to Denmark Hill rail station. There are two disabled car spaces and one drop-off bay (limited to a 20-minute stay) outside the ED. There is no longer general public parking at the hospital.

When you arrive

You may first see a nurse who may send you to a more appropriate service if the ED is not the best place for your treatment. A triage nurse will decide which area of our department is the most appropriate for your condition and how quickly you need to be seen. If your GP sent you to the ED with a letter, please give this to the nurse. You will also be asked to book in at reception and give them your contact and GP details.

Please note: we see patients according to the urgency of their medical need and not in order of their time of arrival.

Opt-out HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing

Everyone aged 18 and older who has their blood tested in a London Emergency Department (A&E) now has it tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. It’s important to get diagnosed early as treatment is life-saving and free from the NHS. Your results are confidential. If you do not wish to be tested, please let a member of staff know. If your test comes back positive, the Results Team will contact you and explain what happens next.

When you leave the ED

We have advice leaflets for many conditions which explain more about the condition itself and how we treat it. The doctor or nurse you see will give you any relevant leaflets.

If you need proof that you have attended the ED, please ask the nurse or doctor looking after you. We usually provide you with a photocopy of the front sheet of your patient notes. We cannot give you a sick note: you need to visit your GP to get one.

What happens if I need more treatment?

We will send a letter to your GP explaining the treatment we have given you. This may take a few days, so if you will be seeing your GP before this, please ask for a copy of your notes and give them to your GP at your next appointment.

If we think you may benefit from seeing a specialist as an outpatient, we will ask your GP to organise an appointment as part of your continuing care.

Find out more about your time in the Emergency Department.