Medical emergencies
In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 to speak to emergency services.
Emergency medical treatment in Oxford can be obtained at the Emergency Department (A&E) of the John Radcliffe Hospital. Even if you are not registered with the NHS, you will always be seen in an emergency.
Life-threatening conditions
If you or someone else is experiencing the following symptoms, call 999 immediately.
- Suspected heart attack or stroke
- Chest pain
- Unconsciousness
- Heavy blood loss
- Suspected broken bones
- Deep wounds such as stab wounds
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Head injuries
- Mental health crises with risk to life
Urgent mental health support
There are a number of services that can provide out-of-hours and urgent mental health support.
The University's Security Services are here to support you during your time at Oxford, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach them on 01865 2 72944 or [email protected]. In an emergency always dial 999.
NHS 111
If you are unsure whether you should visit the Emergency Department (A&E), or if you need urgent medical treatment but it is not an emergency, call NHS 111 for 24/7 urgent health advice. They can arrange for an out-of-hours GP appointment, or advise you if you need to go to hospital or an Urgent Treatment Centre.
Urgent Treatment Centres
Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) provide urgent healthcare for non-emergency situations. They can help with issues such as:
- sprains and strains
- suspected broken bones
- injuries, cuts and bruises
- stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea
- skin infections and rashes
- high temperature in children and adults
- mental health concerns
- emergency contraception
If you think you need to visit a UTC, contact NHS 111 who will be able to advise and direct you to your nearest centre if needed.
Minor Injuries Units
You can also access urgent healthcare for minor injuries sustained in the last 7 days from a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU). The closest MIU to Oxford is located in Abingdon.
An MIU can help with:
- Deep cuts
- Eye injuries
- Broken bones
- Severe sprains
- Minor head injuries
- Minor burns and scalds