An Accident & Emergency Department, often called A&E or an emergency department, is a hospital service for people who need urgent assessment or treatment after a serious injury or sudden illness. Patients may arrive by ambulance or make their own way to the department. On arrival, clinical staff assess how urgently each person needs care, so patients with the most serious or life-threatening conditions are treated first. Waiting times can therefore vary, and attendance is not always in order of arrival. The department may provide examination, pain relief, wound care, treatment for injuries and acute illness, and tests such as blood tests, X-rays or scans. Staff can stabilise patients, arrange specialist assessment, admit them to hospital or discharge them with advice and follow-up arrangements. A&E is not generally intended for routine medical problems or ongoing care; less urgent needs may be dealt with by other health services.