Bookable appointments will be just one of the new benefits on offer at Spalding’s new Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), which will open next week on Thursday, April 1.
Appointments will be available to patients who need urgent medical treatment via the NHS111 First service by calling 111, going online to 111.nhs.uk or by using the NHS111 app.
Bookable appointments offer convenience by minimising waiting times and help to support services to lower the risks from COVID-19 by promoting social distancing in waiting areas.
The change underlines LCHS’s commitment to provide a consistent level of urgent care services across Lincolnshire and to safeguard the county’s busy A&E services for those who really need them.
LCHS, which is rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), already provides Urgent treatment centres at Lincoln, Skegness, Boston, Louth, Peterborough and, on a temporary basis, at Grantham.
Tracy Pilcher, deputy chief executive and director of nursing, allied health professionals and operations at LCHS, said: “The new, upgraded service which will be on offer at our new Spalding Urgent Treatment Centre underlines our commitment to offer quality care, closer to home for people in Lincolnshire.
“The really exciting new benefit for our patients will be the introduction of a bookable appointments service. Available by using the NHS111 service, this gives our patients the opportunity to get the care they need at a time that suits them.
“In addition, the new Spalding Urgent Treatment Centre will be able to provide urgent medical attention for a range of conditions including strains and sprains, broken limbs, cuts and grazes to coughs and colds, stomach pains and minor eye problems.”
The UTC will be open from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.
Patients can walk-in to the service without an appointment and will be assessed but, depending on their condition, may be given an appointment to return later in the day.
Patients who need urgent care overnight should ring NHS111 for help and advice. This includes access to LCHS’s award-winning Clinical Assessment Service for face-to-face, telephone and video appointments or home visits where appropriate.
Urgent treatment centres can treat a range of conditions which are not critical or life threatening.
These include:
- sprains and strains
- suspected broken limbs
- minor head injuries
- cuts and grazes
- skin infection and rashes
- bites and stings
- minor eye problems
- coughs and colds
- feverish illness in adults and children
- abdominal pain
- vomiting and diarrhoea
- minor scalds and burns
- emergency contraception.
NHS111 is available 24/7 and all calls from a landline or mobile are free of charge. The NHS111 service is also available online at 111.NHS.uk or use the NHS111 app.
In an emergency situation, patients should always dial 999.
