What can I expect from my NHS walk-in centre?
NHS WiCs give you fast access to health advice and treatment. There are now around 93 NHS WiCs throughout England that offer:
- treatment for minor illnesses and injuries,
- assessment by an experienced NHS nurse,
- advice on how to stay healthy,
- information on out-of-hours GP and dental services,
- information on local pharmacy services, and
- information on other local health services.
What services does a NHS walk-in centre offer?
At NHS WiCs you will see experienced health professionals who deal with minor illnesses and injuries. They do not replace local GP or hospital services but complement them.
There are variations between services provided by NHS WiCs across the country but most offer the following:
- advice on local GP and pharmacy services,
- blood pressure checks,
- contraceptive advice,
- coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms,
- dressing care,
- emergency contraception,
- hayfever, bites and stings,
- health promotion: diet, exercise,
- information on staying healthy/local services,
- minor cuts and wounds - care, dressings,
- muscle and joint injuries - strains and sprains,
- skin complaints - rashes, sunburn, headlice,
- smoking cessation support,
- stomach ache, indigestion, constipation, vomiting and diarrhoea,
- suturing (stitching), and
- women's health problems, eg thrush, menstrual advice.
What are the opening times for NHS walk-in centres
NHS WiCs provide services throughout the whole year. Most are open seven days a week. Some offer treatment on a 24 hour basis. Opening times may vary to fit local circumstances.
General opening times:
7am – 10pm Monday - Friday
9 am – 10pm Saturday - Sunday
What are commuter walk-in centres
There are around 93 NHS WiCs in England providing quick and easy access to a range of NHS Services. These include seven centres the Department of Health is taking over from the independent sector specifically to meet the needs of commuters.
Commuter WiCs are located close to railway stations and focus on providing services to out-of-area patients who find it difficult to see a GP during office hours, as well as those who live locally.
Currently there are six commuter walk-in centres across England and a seventh is due to open at London Kings Cross.
Commuter walk-in centres are available in:
- Manchester
- London Liverpool Street
- London Canary Wharf
- London Victoria
- Leeds Headrow
- Newcastle
Do I need to register to use a walk-in centre?
No, you can walk in to the centre and be seen by experienced health professionals.
Is there a walk-in centre near where I live?
There are around 93 NHS walk-in centres around the country. You can search for your local walk-in centre here on NHS Choices by using the 'Find services' facility.
Coughs
A GP describes the most common causes for coughs and how they can be treated
Fever and vomiting
Dr Rupal Shah explains how to tell if your child's fever and vomiting are a sign of a serious illness requiring medical attention or the result of a common virus with no cause for alarm
Last reviewed: 20/03/2009
Next review due: 19/03/2011
