NHS walk-in centres (WiCs) offer convenient access to a range of treatment. WiCs are managed by primary care trusts (PCTs). There are around 93 centres in England, dealing with minor illnesses and injuries.
These include:
- infection and rashes,
- fractures and lacerations,
- emergency contraception and advice,
- stomach upsets,
- cuts and bruises, and
- burns and strains.
NHS WiCs are usually managed by a nurse and are available to everyone. Patients do not need an appointment. Most centres are open 365 days a year and outside office hours. Some newly opened centres may offer different opening hours during their first few months.
NHS WiCs treat around three million patients a year and have proved to be a successful complementary service to traditional GP and A&E services. Some NHS WiCs offer access to doctors as well as nurses. However, they are not designed for treating long-term conditions or immediately life-threatening problems.
