NEW PHONE FIRST SERVICE 

Did you know, Belfast Trust launched a Phone First service for patients with minor injuries, effective from Tuesday 9 January

Patients who have minor injuries should call 02896 159 444 to be triaged by phone before being advised of the next steps to take.

Phone First has been introduced to address ongoing capacity issues across Emergency Departments which has resulted in longer waits for your constituents aged 16+ with minor injuries. This does not affect patients who are experiencing potentially life-threatening illness or injury, who should call 999 for urgent medical attention.

The Phone First service has been operational across Northern, Southern and Western Health Trusts for some time with Belfast Trust launching the service on 9 January 2024. The service will operate 8am-6pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

Patients who require care outside these hours should attend the Emergency Department or call the GP Out - of - Hours service.