Urgent Crae center

Urgent Care Centres Explained: Find Help Fast Near You

You never know when you or a family member might need quick medical attention. Whether it's a sprained ankle, a nasty cough, or a sudden fever, getting help quickly can be a huge relief. That's where Urgent Care Centres come in – providing fast, same-day treatment for non-life-threatening medical issues. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about urgent care in the UK, from how it differs from A&E to what services are provided, when to go, and how to find a centre near you.

What Is an Urgent Care Centre?

An Urgent Care Centre is a medical facility that offers immediate care for minor injuries and illnesses that still need prompt attention but aren't serious enough for A&E. These centres are designed to ease the burden on Accident & Emergency departments, allowing hospitals to focus on critical emergencies.

Urgent care supports over 110 million calls or visits each year, according to NHS England. That's a massive demand – and a big reason why these services are so crucial to public health.

When Should I Go to Urgent Care?

Urgent care is ideal when you need help the same day but your GP is closed, or you can't wait for an appointment. Common examples include:

• Sprains and fractures that aren’t life-threatening
• Infections (like ear or urinary tract infections)
• Fever, rashes, or allergic reactions
• Minor burns or scalds
• Flu-like symptoms and sore throats

Still not sure? A quick call to 111 (the free NHS helpline) can guide you to the right service based on your symptoms. You can also learn more about when to call 111 on our website.

Urgent Care vs A&E: What’s the Difference?

The question many people ask: when should I go to A&E instead of urgent care? Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose wisely:

Service	What It Treats	Opening Hours	Referral Needed?
Urgent Treatment Centres	Minor injuries/illnesses, X-rays, stitches	8am–8pm (or later in some areas)	No (walk-in or call 111)
GP Services	Ongoing conditions, prescriptions, check-ups	Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm (variable)	Yes (register first)
A&E (Emergency)	Life-threatening injuries or illnesses	Open 24/7	No

Still not confident? Check out our full guide: GP vs A&E vs Urgent Care.

What Do Urgent Care Centres Treat?

Common Illnesses and Injuries Treated

• Minor burns and scalds
• Flu and fevers
• Mild breathing difficulties
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Ear, throat, eye, or skin infections

Services Offered – X-rays, Prescriptions & More

Services can vary slightly by location, but generally include:

• X-ray facilities for suspected fractures
• On-site prescriptions or referrals
• Sutures (stitches) and wound dressing
• Tetanus jabs and basic immunisations

Who Can Access Urgent Care Services?

Urgent Treatment Centres are open to everyone in the UK – you don’t need to be registered with a GP and you don’t need an appointment. Services are available to:

• Children and adults
• Visitors from other parts of the UK
• Non-residents or temporary patients

According to NHS England, most patients are mobile and seeking same-day attention. If you're unsure about eligibility, a walk-in centre might be your best bet.

How to Locate Urgent Care Centres Near Me

Calling 111 is the quickest way to locate an open urgent care centre near you. You’ll receive advice, and in some cases, a booking confirmation for a specific centre.

Read on to find out more: What you need to know about Urgent Care in the UK

What Do Urgent Care Centres Treat? - 5 Common Illnesses

Urgent care centres are designed to help with non-life-threatening medical issues, including:

1. Minor Burns and Scalds

Minor burns and scalds require urgent care, and most centres can treat and dress them on-site. If the burn is severe, the centre may refer you to A&E for further treatment.

2. Flu and Fever

Urgent care centres can provide antiviral medication to help alleviate flu and fever symptoms. They may also refer you to a specialist for further treatment or testing.

3. Mild Breathing Difficulties

Centres equipped with oxygen concentrators can provide oxygen therapy to help alleviate mild breathing difficulties. They may also refer you to A&E for further assessment and treatment.

4. Vomiting and Diarrhoea

Urgent care centres can provide on-site treatment for vomiting and diarrhoea, including rehydration therapy and medication to alleviate symptoms.

5. Ear, Throat, Eye, or Skin Infections

These centres can treat ear, throat, eye, or skin infections, often with antibiotics, cream, or ointment. Centres may also refer you to a specialist for further testing and treatment.

Urgent Care Centres vs Emergency Departments: What's the Difference?

While both provide urgent medical care, there are key differences: Emergency Departments are designed to treat life-threatening injuries and illnesses requiring immediate attention. Urgent Care Centres, on the other hand, treat non-life-threatening medical issues, minor injuries, and illnesses that still require prompt attention.

Why Choose Urgent Care?

Choosing urgent care offers several benefits:

• Faster Service – Urgent Care Centres often have shorter wait times than A&E departments.
• No Appointment Needed – You can simply walk in and be seen by a medical professional.
• Less Expensive – NHS Urgent Care services are free, saving you time and money.

How to Locate a Centre Near You

Locating an urgent care centre near you is easier than ever with the NHS's service search page. You can search by postcode, town, or city. You can also call 111 for advice on the best centre to visit and to book an appointment in some cases.

Conclusion

Urgent Care Centres provide a vital service for non-life-threatening medical issues in the UK. With centres available throughout the country, you can be seen quickly and conveniently, even on short notice. With this guide, you're now equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision about when to visit an urgent care centre and how to locate one near you.

Don't wait – find an urgent care centre near you today!