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.

We’ve brought all urgent care together and this includes new Urgent Treatment Centres at Colchester Hospital and Clacton Hospital.

The Urgent Treatment Centre at Colchester Hospital will be built next to the Emergency Department (A&E) and will replace the walk-in centre in Turner Road. Please note, however, that the Urgent Treatment Centre at Colchester Hospital will not offer walk-in phlebotomy (blood test) services, in place of the current walk-in phlebotomy services at the Primary Care Centre in Turner Road. From October, you will continue to be able to access phlebotomy services from your GP practice. Please contact your GP practice for an appointment.

The Urgent Treatment Centre at Clacton Hospital will replace the current Minor Injuries Unit but will remain on the same site. The Minor Injuries Unit at Fryatt Hospital, Harwich, will continue to be available to assess and treat minor injuries and will also remain on the same site.  

The Urgent Treatment Centres will open in autumn 2019.

The UTS is made up of:

1. Urgent Treatment Centres

Urgent minor injury services will 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 will 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. 

How will the UTS work with other local urgent care services such as NHS 111/IUC, the ambulance service and A&E?

The service will:

• Guide patients to the correct level of care and treatment

• Clarify which services are provided where and how to access these services