NHS 111 will tell you where you need to go for your care.
If they decide you need to visit the Emergency Department (A&E), they will tell A&E to expect you.
About A&E
Our Emergency Departments at the John Radcliffe Hospital and Horton General Hospital are both open 24 hours a day.
Switchboard: 0300 304 7777
The John Radcliffe Hospital has a dedicated Paediatric (Children's) Emergency Department open 24 hours a day.
How to find the John Radcliffe Hospital
How to find the Horton General Hospital
Eye and dental emergencies
Patients with eye or dental emergencies should seek care via details listed below.
Eye emergencies
Please visit Eye emergencies
Dental emergencies
The Emergency Departments do not treat dental emergencies.
To find your local NHS dentist please visit:
If you have a dental emergency please call NHS 111.
Dental Access Centres
These are for patients who do not have a dentist or who have a dental emergency.
- Mondays to Fridays 8.30am - 4.30pm
The opening hours at some of the smaller clinics may vary so please check first. - Referral Centre and Salaried Dental Service: 01869 604040
Out of Hours dentistry service
Please see the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust website
Medical students
Oxford University Hospitals is a teaching trust, which means that medical or nursing students may be involved in your care.
If you would prefer students not to be present during your treatment, please let our staff know. Your decision will not affect the care that we give you.
Coming to A&E
Walk-in patients
We see our patients in order according to the severity of their condition, so some patients who arrive after you may be seen by the doctor before you.
After your assessment, we will either direct you to another area to be seen and treated, or ask you to take a seat in the waiting room where the Emergency Department team will see you.
Waiting times will vary depending on what is happening in the whole Emergency Department.
Patients who arrive by ambulance
Patients who arrive by ambulance go to a different part of the Emergency Department.
Treatment and medicines
During your visit to A&E, our doctors or nurse practitioners will assess you and carry out any necessary tests.
If you need to see a specialist we will arrange this. The specialist may come to see you in A&E or arrange a follow-up clinic appointment.
If we prescribe medication for you to take home with you, please collect it from the Pharmacy. Unless you have an exemption, you will need to pay a prescription charge for this.
Please make arrangements for your transport home - only patients who meet strict medical criteria may request ambulance transport.
Disabled access
Our hospitals are accessible and accessible toilets are available in public areas and on wards.
Wheelchairs
Ask at reception if you need a wheelchair or assistance.
Find us
John Radcliffe Hospital
How to find the John Radcliffe Hospital
The Emergency Department at the John Radcliffe Hospital is to the left as you come up the main drive from Headley Way. Please follow the red 'A&E' signs.
There are drop-off bays alongside the building. If bringing a patient, please stop in a drop-off bay, but do not park there - move your car to a patient car park.
Horton General Hospital
How to find the Horton General Hospital
The Emergency Department at the Horton General Hospital is next to the main entrance off Hightown Road. Please follow the red 'A&E' signs.
