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When to visit urgent treatment centres or other urgent care services

Urgent treatment centres provide medical help when it's not a life-threatening emergency. They can diagnose and deal with many of the common problems people go to A&E for.

Other types of urgent care services are called minor injuries units or walk-in centres. They offer some, but not all, of the same help as urgent treatment centres.

When urgent treatment centres can help instead of A&E

Urgent treatment centres are usually staffed by nurses. If you need one, you can often get tests like an ECG (electrocardiogram), blood tests or an X-ray.

They can help with things like: 

  • sprains and strains
  • suspected broken bones
  • injuries, cuts and bruises
  • stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea 
  • skin infections and rashes
  • high temperature in children and adults
  • mental health concerns

If you need a prescription one can be organised for you. Emergency contraception is also available.

Minor injuries units and walk-in centres

These services can help with some of the same problems as urgent treatment centres, but they do not all have the same facilities.

NHS 111 online can direct you to the right urgent care

NHS 111 online can help if you think you need urgent care. If an urgent care service is not right for your problem you will be offered alternative services.

Urgent treatment centres, minor injuries units and walk-in centres are all types of urgent care service. They are separate from A&E, although some might be located in the same hospital building.

Letting them know you're coming

If you use NHS 111 and an urgent care service is recommended, 111 can sometimes send your details so the service knows when to expect you. 

You do not need an appointment to visit most urgent care centres.

You do not need to be registered with a GP or have a fixed address to use any urgent care service.

What you should take with you

You do not need to know your NHS number to use an urgent care service.

It's helpful if you bring your prescription, or any medicines you are taking with you. 

What happens when you get there

If you need help in another language, ask for a British Sign Language (BSL) or other interpreter.

Some urgent treatment centres have a self-assessment tool that you use on arrival. If they know you are coming, you should not need to use it.

The self-assessment tool helps work out what order patients should be seen in. People who are the most unwell will be seen first, so sometimes people who arrive after you might be seen before you.

What happens next

You will usually be assessed and treated on site, but you can be referred on to other services if necessary.

If you are registered with one, your GP surgery will be contacted afterwards with an update on why you used the service and any treatment you got while there.

Page last reviewed: 20 September 2021
Next review due: 20 September 2024