Newark Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) will introduce new, extended opening hours starting Monday, November 11, 2024.
From that date, the UTC will operate between 8 am and 10:30 pm, with the last patient admitted at 9:30 pm, seven days a week. This change aims to provide an extended window for patients to access essential healthcare services, particularly during the winter months when demand is expected to increase.
The extended hours will result in an hour earlier opening and a half-hour extension after the last patient is admitted compared to the current hours. This adjustment was made in response to feedback from residents, stakeholders, and clinical input from healthcare experts.
The UTC, managed by Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (SFH), offers urgent care and non-life-threatening treatment for injuries or conditions such as cuts, simple broken bones, wounds, minor burns, and minor head, eye, and back injuries.
It’s important to note that this is different from an Accident and Emergency (A&E) service, which is open 24 hours and provides care for severe and life-threatening emergencies like heavy bleeding, choking, and seizures.
Victoria McGregor-Riley, Director of Strategy and System Development at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, expressed the organization’s welcome to the launch of these new, extended opening hours, emphasizing the UTC’s commitment to providing high-quality urgent care for the people of Newark and surrounding areas.
She highlighted that the UTC will now operate for 14.5 hours per day, exceeding the 12-hour minimum national standard for UTCs set by NHS England and surpassing the current operating hours.
McGregor-Riley also encouraged patients to utilize the 111 service online or by phone if they are unsure which healthcare option is most suitable for their needs.
The current temporary opening hours were introduced at the onset of the Covid pandemic and have been in place for the past four and a half years.
NHS leaders made the decision to extend these opening hours based on valuable feedback from residents, stakeholders, and clinical input from healthcare experts.
The NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, along with the SFH, will continue to evaluate the effects of the extended operating hours, closely monitoring usage and collecting patient feedback to ensure that the service remains responsive to the local community.
Individuals requiring healthcare are reminded that a diverse array of options for obtaining appropriate treatment is available throughout the day and night.
The most expedient way to receive medical assistance, including an out-of-hours GP appointment, can be achieved through NHS111, which is accessible online or by phone and operates 24 hours a day.
Depending on your specific needs, you may be advised to consider the following options:
– Self-medicate at home.
– Seek assistance from a pharmacist for minor illnesses.
– Contact your GP surgery.
– Obtain urgent specialist dental or mental health support.
– Schedule a callback from a nurse.
– Consult an out-of-hours GP.
– Visit a UTC (Urgent Treatment Centre).
– In case of a medical emergency, dial 999 or seek immediate attention at A&E.
Pharmacists can provide guidance on various conditions and suggest appropriate medications. Under the Pharmacy First scheme, they may also be able to offer treatment and prescribe certain medications for specific conditions, without the need to consult a GP. For more information about Pharmacy First and to locate a pharmacy near you, visit Pharmacy First.
In a medical emergency, it is crucial to call 999. This is the appropriate action to take when someone is severely ill or injured, and their life is at risk.