No matter how busy our A&E departments are, the most seriously ill and injured patients will always be seen first and as quickly as possible.
If you choose to visit us and do not need urgent or emergency treatment, you will be safely supported to access an alternative service.
, so please make sure you come alone where possible, or bring only one person where needed.
Cumberland Infirmary A&E will have reduced seating from August 2025 to November 2025, due to building works for the £12 million Urgent Treatment Centre. To help us care for patients and keep everyone comfortable, please come alone where possible or limit the number of people accompanying patients until the works are complete.
See below for more information on the alternatives that are available to you.
Are you feeling unwell? Choose the right place to go:
NHS 111
Call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do.
If you think you need medical help right now, 111 online can tell you what to do next. 111 online will not give you a diagnosis, but we will direct you to the best place to get help for your symptoms.
Emergency Departments | A&E | 999
A&E departments deal with life-threatening emergencies such as: stroke, heart attack, major trauma such as a road traffic accident, loss of consciousness, acute confused state, fits that are not stopping, chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped, severe allergic reactions, severe burns or scalds. If you or someone you know have any of these call 999 immediately.
Urgent Treatment Centres
This is the best place to go if you need urgent medical attention and it’s not life-threatening such as: sprains and strains, cuts and grazes, obvious broken bones (fractures), bites and stings, infected wounds, minor burns, head injury (if there has been no loss of consciousness), eye problems (such as minor eye infections, scratches or something that is stuck in your eye).
We have a range of healthcare professionals that work in the UTCs such as healthcare assistants, nurses and medical practitioners. You will be triaged and we will ensure that you will see the most appropriate clinician to treat you.
X-ray service is available at the UTC's at the following times:
Penrith: Monday - Friday 8.30-4.30pm
Keswick: Monday - Friday 9.30-12.30pm
GP Surgery
This is the best place to go if you have an have an illness or injury that will not go away or if you notice changes in your body that are not normal. This includes changes with moles, new lumps, coughs, aches or pains that do not go away, blood in your pee or poo and concerns about your mental wellbeing.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists can help you with minor health concerns such as: coughs, colds and sore throats, flu, earache, cystitis, skin rashes, red eye, tummy trouble, indigestion and heartburn, aches and pains, teething, emergency contraception, weight management. You can find your closest pharmacy online: Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Self Care
Most common illnesses and problems will get better without the need to visit a doctor and can be treated at home. Click on the links for advice on how to manage your symptoms: back pain, colds, constipation, coughs, eczema, flu, fever in children, headache, indigestion and heartburn, migraine, sleep problems, urinary tract infections (UTI)
You can also visit nhs.uk/live-well for self-care tips and tools and nhs.uk/staywell for advice on how to look after yourself.
