Urgent care centre
The urgent care centre at St Mary’s Hospital provides the best possible care for patients with non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
The centre is located within the accident and emergency department at St Mary’s Hospital. It is staffed by experienced GPs and emergency nurse practitioners.
How does the urgent care centre work?
When you arrive at the urgent care centre you will be assessed promptly by a GP or an emergency nurse practitioner. They will work out how best to treat you and who you need to see.
Patients with minor injuries or non-life-threatening medical problems will be treated by a GP or emergency nurse practitioner. Patients with more serious medical problems will be referred immediately to the accident and emergency department.
When is the urgent care centre open?
The urgent care centre is open from 10.00 to 19.00, seven days a week. Outside these hours patients will be treated in the accident and emergency department at St Mary’s Hospital.
The accident and emergency department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When should I use the urgent care centre?
The urgent care centre can be used by patients with a range of medical needs, from minor injuries and mild illnesses to more serious medical problems.
If you have a minor injury (for example, cuts, sprains or bruises) or mild illness (for example, a cough, ear infection or sore throat) you will be seen by a GP or emergency nurse practitioner. You may be directed to a local pharmacy or dental service, or another community service such as an NHS walk-in centre. Depending on the problem, we may advise you to see your own GP. Our staff will give you information to help you register with a GP if you do not already have one.
If you need immediate medical advice, diagnosis and/or emergency treatment, we will refer you immediately to the accident and emergency department. This will be for serious or life-threatening injuries and illnesses.