Minor Injuries Phone First Posted or Updated on 26 Jul 2024

Launch of Phone First Service for Adult Patients with Minor Injuries

Did you know we're launching a Phone First service for patients with minor injuries, effective from Tuesday 9th 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 results 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 9th January 2024.

The service will operate 8am to 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. 

Phone First - Make sure you phone First before going to the Emergency Department at the Royal Victoria Hospital or the Mater.

028 9615 9444

How to access Phone First

If you have a minor injury and need to attend the Adult Emergency Department at the Royal Victoria or Mater Hospital please Phone First. 

028 9615 9444
Operating from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays.

A healthcare professional will guide you to the right care, first time:

• GP, Pharmacy or Community Care
• Urgent Care Centre
• Minor Injuries Unit
• Emergency Departments

For Emergencies that are life threatening - 999

Including stroke, heart attack, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or major trauma. Always call 999 immediately. 

Ambulance - an ambulance will be sent as appropriate.