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.

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.

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

Please note that the Urgent Treatment Centre at Colchester Hospital does not provide walk-in blood test (phlebotomy) services.

You continue to be able to access blood test services from your GP practice. Please contact your GP practice for a blood test appointment.

They may signpost you to the walk-in blood test (phlebotomy) service at the Primary Care Centre in Turner Road and give you a form to take with you. This is available:

Monday to Wednesday: 7am-2pm

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

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

First Floor

All ophthalmic services including theatres, outpatients, retinal suite, orthoptics, optometry, emergency eye clinic

Dermatology

Second Floor

ENT

Oral surgery

Audiology

The UTS is made up of:

1. 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.

2. 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.