Urgent Treatment Service (UTS)

Thank you to everyone who took part in our big conversations about urgent healthcare services in Colchester and Tendring.

We’ve listened to what you’ve told us and your feedback has shaped the design of services in your area.

What's on this page?

On this page you'll find information on:

the changes we've made to urgent care in north east Essex
what Urgent Treatment Centres are, and how to access them
blood test (phlebotomy) services
out of hours (Extended Access) services
accessible information on the Urgent Treatment Service
promotional materials you can download to help spread the word

Changes to urgent care from 1 October, 2019

We’ve brought all urgent care together and this includes new Urgent Treatment Centres at Colchester Hospital and Clacton Hospital. There is also an Urgent Treatment Centre (Minor Injuries Only) at Fryatt Hospital, Harwich.

The Urgent Treatment Centre at Colchester Hospital has been built next to the Emergency Department (A&E) and replaces the Walk-in Centre in Turner Road.

The Urgent Treatment Centre at Clacton Hospital replaces the Minor Injuries Unit but remains on the same site. The Minor Injuries Unit at Fryatt Hospital, Harwich, has become an Urgent Treatment Centre (Minor Injuries Only). It continues to be available to assess and treat minor injuries and remains on the same site.

Video that explains urgent care in north east Essex

What is an Urgent Treatment Service?

Urgent Treatment Centres

Urgent minor injury services typically treat problems such as suspected broken limbs, strains and sprains, cuts and grazes, bites and stings, scalds and burns, and minor head injuries. Urgent minor illness services treat patients with ear, throat or skin infections and exacerbation of long-term conditions, for example.

Extended Access

Local GP practices are working together to offer patients improved access to appointments in north east Essex. This means that there is the opportunity to see a GP, practice nurse, or other health professional as appropriate at a broader range of convenient times.

Patients can now book appointments to see a GP, practice nurse or other health professional who can help with illness or injury in the evenings or at the weekend, with a range of slots available. There are also more ways that patients can get advice from a GP or practice nurse, including over the telephone and online.

Including Extended Access within the UTS supports the ongoing development and integration of primary, community and urgent care services in north east Essex, ensuring that patients are directed to the right care, first time at available services which are closest to home.

How can patients access the UTS?

Patients can get advice about which service is best for their needs by calling 111.

Patients who walk in to centres will be assessed by a clinician for treatment within the UTC which in some cases may result in being redirected to other services such as the pharmacy, GP practice, or A&E.

Blood tests (phlebotomy) in Colchester from 1 October, 2019

Please note that our Urgent Treatment Centres do not provide walk-in blood test (phlebotomy) services. If you need a blood test and you already have the required paperwork from the GP or consultant, you can go directly to the phlebotomy clinics (see below). Staff at the Urgent Treatment Centres may signpost you to the phlebotomy service and will give you a form to take with you. Please do not turn up at the phlebotomy service without the required blood forms.

Colchester phlebotomy

The phlebotomy clinic is situated in the Primary Care Centre on Turner Road. This is a walk-in service so you don’t need an appointment. The phlebotomy service is available Monday to Wednesday, 7am-2pm.

Clacton-on-Sea phlebotomy

Clacton Phlebotomy is open Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm. They are situated in the phlebotomy clinic the ground floor of the main Clacton Hospital building.

Harwich phlebotomy

People requiring blood test in Harwich can book an appointment with their GP practice or can attend one of other phlebotomy sites listed as long as they have the appropriate paperwork.

Out of Hours Service from 1 October, 2019

Please be advised that if 111 have booked you an appointment with the Out of Hours Service, this remains at the Primary Care Centre in Turner Road. It is not accessed via the Urgent Treatment Centre at Colchester Hospital.

Other services that operate from the Primary Care Centre are:

Ground Floor services

GP referral X-ray
Community paediatrics including physiotherapy, speech and language and specialist services
Renal outpatients and dialysis dervices
Community dental services
Podiatry
Turner Road Surgery
Phlebotomy