Emergency Contacts
In life threatening illness or injury call 999.
- All routine health matters, including repeat prescriptions must be dealt with by your own GP practice in usual working hours. For more information including opening hours and contact numbers for your GP practice please see our Community Services section.
- Your local pharmacy can provide a range of advice and services. NHS 24 can assist you with information on late opening hours.
- Call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24. NHS 24 provides a confidential telephone health advice and information service for people in Scotland.
- The Accident and Emergency Department at the Gilbert Bain Hospital and 999 ambulance services are for emergency situations only. Please think carefully before using emergency services.
NHS 24
NHS 24 provides a confidential telephone health advice and information service for people in Scotland.
Working with our out-of-hours service, NHS 24 provides patients with health advice and help when GP practices are closed.
You can:
- Visit the NHS 24 website to find out all about NHS 24.
- Use the NHS self help guide to help identify your symptoms. By answering simple step by step questions, you can work out the best course of action.
- Access the NHS Health Encyclopaedia for information on illnesses, conditions, tests and treatments.
Emergency Treatment
The Accident and Emergency department is situated near the main entrance of the Gilbert Bain Hospital in the town of Lerwick. It is the only General Hospital serving the population of Shetland. A&E deals with all major/minor trauma and illness from within Shetland and from surrounding waters. There are many incidents in the North Sea involving fishing boats and oil workers, these can range from major trauma/illness to minor injury/illness.
The main entrance to the hospital is also the entrance to A&E.
All ambulance cases come through the main hospital entrance.
The main reception to the Gilbert Bain is manned 24 hours a day.
Contact Details
Accident and Emergency
Gilbert Bain Hospital
South Road
Lerwick
Shetland
ZE1 0TB
Telephone Number: 01595 743000 ext 3100
Fax Number: 01595 743319
What is an emergency?
An emergency is a critical or life-threatening situation.
Examples include:
- Unconsciousness
- Heavy blood loss
- Suspected broken bones
- Deep wounds, such as stab wounds
- Suspected heart attack
- Difficulty in breathing
Patients attend A&E for many reasons; for example, accidents on the road, at work or at home. A&E also provides immediate care for patients who take unwell with a range of different acute medical and surgical conditions, for example a heart attack.
People who use emergency services for minor problems may prevent others with emergencies from getting immediate care.
If you attend A&E and your condition is not an emergency, you may be advised to contact your own family doctor or GP.
If you are in any doubt about whether a child's condition is an emergency, contact your family doctor or NHS 24 who will decide whether attendance at Accident and Emergency is necessary.
Emergency Dental Treatment
If you require emergency dental treatment please call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24. Your case will be assessed and if necessary, you will be advised to attend either Accident and Emergency or the dental suite, both of which are situated at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in the town of Lerwick.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (the morning after pill or a coil) can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex, and in special circumstances, even after that. However, it is most effective when used within the first 24 hours after sex.
Emergency contraception is free from all providers and is always in complete confidence. However, there are some circumstances in which if it is felt that a young person (under 16) is at risk, healthcare workers are obliged to make a report to Social Services. The young person will be informed if it is felt to be necessary.
Condoms offer protection against sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. Condoms are available FREE from all Health Centres, A&E Department and Health Improvement in Brevik House. Condoms can also be bought from local supermarkets and chemists.
You should be offered advice about longer term contraception in all of these venues.
Free treatment is available from:
- The Sexual Health and Wellbeing Clinic, open every Monday evening from 6.30-8.30pm in the Outpatients Department, Gilbert Bain Hospital (no appointment necessary)
- Accident and Emergency, Gilbert Bain Hospital
- Any GP practice (it doesn't have to be your own GP)
- GP out-of-hours clinic, every Saturday from 10am-12noon in the Outpatients Department, Gilbert Bain Hospital
- Community Pharmacies (Market Cross, Freefield and Boots)
