Royal Victoria Hospital
The Royal Victoria Hospital's Phone First Service is designed for adults needing urgent care advice or triage before visiting the Emergency Department. This service is not for life-threatening emergencies but helps assess the urgency of medical needs. Available Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00, excluding bank holidays, this service allows callers to describe symptoms and receive appropriate advice or referrals. Common reasons for calling include seeking urgent care guidance and triage. Wait times can vary, with longer waits during peak hours. It is advisable to call earlier in the day or outside peak periods to minimize waiting.
Updated 4 Nov 2025
Expected outcomes
- Assess medical urgency
- Provide urgent care advice
- Direct to appropriate care
- Schedule urgent appointments
- Refer to specialists
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Personal details
- Symptoms description
- Medical history
- Current medications
- Allergy information
- Contact information
Known issues
Callers to the Phone First Service at Royal Victoria Hospital may occasionally experience long wait times, particularly during peak hours or high demand periods. To reduce waiting, it is recommended to call earlier in the day or outside peak periods. This service is specifically for urgent care advice and triage, not for life-threatening emergencies. Ensure you have all necessary information ready, such as personal details and medical history, to facilitate a smoother process. If wait times are long, consider using online resources or alternative care options if appropriate.
