Details about our Emergency Room
24-hour emergency assessment and triage for urgent pregnancy, postnatal, and acute gynaecology concerns.
About the Emergency Room (Triage Department)
The Triage Department provides an adult emergency service for:
- Complications during pregnancy
- The first six weeks after the birth of your baby
- Acute gynaecology emergencies
Care is prioritised so that women with serious or life-threatening conditions are seen first. Waiting times may vary depending on clinical urgency.
Before you attend
- If you have a recent history of vomiting and/or diarrhoea, please phone before attending.
- It is not advisable to bring children to the Triage Department.
- Recording devices are not permitted.
- You may find the Before You Call and Signs of Labour sections helpful.
- If you are unsure whether to attend, you are welcome to phone for advice.
Where do I go?
Patients attending the Triage Department should:
- Present to the Front Hall / Reception of the National Maternity Hospital
- Register at the Admissions Office, confirm contact details, and provide the reason for attending
- Be accompanied to the Triage Department waiting area, where the midwife will be informed
Priority is given to women with serious or life-threatening conditions. The hospital endeavours to see all women as quickly as possible.
When to attend Triage during pregnancy
You should attend (or call for advice) if you experience:
- Reduced or changed baby movements
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Signs of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
- Fever or high temperature
- Severe vomiting (hyperemesis)
- High blood pressure symptoms
- Injury or trauma (e.g. a fall)
If you are unsure, please call – we are here to help you decide.
When to attend Triage after the birth of your baby
If you or your healthcare provider are concerned about your health, you may need to attend.
Common reasons include:
- Heavy or unusual bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Mastitis
- Wound concerns (caesarean or episiotomy)
- High blood pressure
Please note:
This Emergency Room is for adult care only. For concerns about your baby, contact your GP, Public Health Nurse or nearest children’s hospital.
When to attend Triage with a gynaecology problem
You may be referred to us if you have:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Complications after a procedure or surgery
- Suspected infection
For non-urgent concerns, your GP or the Gynaecology Outpatient Clinic may be more appropriate.
Infections in Pregnancy
For information on infections during pregnancy, please refer to the Infection Control page, including:
- Slapped Cheek (Parvovirus)
- Hand, Foot and Mouth
- Chicken Pox
- Listeria
- Measles
- Mumps
- Group B Strep
- Cytomegalovirus
Contact Information
NMH Emergency Room / Main Switchboard
Call if you are unsure whether to attend – a midwife can advise you.
Phone
(01) 637 3100
Gynaecology Outpatient Clinic
Contact for non-urgent gynaecology concerns.
Phone
(01) 637 3502 / 637 3504
Hours
Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:00