Our urgent care service provides alternative care to patients with a range of minor injuries and illnesses. The trust have centres located at both the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the University Hospital of North Tees.
If you are unwell and need to use the service we advise that you book an appointment first by calling NHS 111, as this will help to speed up your treatment.
If you have a minor injury, you can still walk into the centres without an appointment.
You will be assessed and treated by a GP (doctor) or one of our urgent care practitioners, who treat a range of minor injuries such as:
- Bites
- Burns and scalds
- Minor illness including fever, rashes or infections
- Sprains
- Wound care
If you are unsure if you need to see your normal GP (doctor) or attend an urgent care centre then you can call NHS 111 who can advise you.
Feeling unwell? Make sure you make the right choice
Self-care
Having a well-stocked medicine and first aid cabinet at home will mean you can deal with many minor injuries and ailments without needing to come to the minor injuries or accident and emergency department. It also means the doctors and nurses in the department can concentrate on looking after the seriously ill or injured.
Pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can give advice and administer medication for a majority of ailments. They have fully trained staff and often have a private room to speak about confidential matters.
GP (doctors)
Contact your own GP practice during their opening hours. When your GP practice is closed, you can call 111 for advice.
Remember, outside of your GP surgery opening hours you can call NHS 111 to make an appointment. NHS 111 may be able to make a GP (doctor) appointment for you.
Urgent Care Centre
We advise you call NHS 111 to make an appointment to attend your local centre
for urgent medical problems. However, if you have a minor injury, no appointment is needed, simply walk in. Your two local urgent care centres operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Remember, if you are unsure about anything, call NHS 111. It is manned by our local ambulance service call handlers who can give the best advice where to go or they will book you an appointment at the right place
Emergency Department
You should call 999 straightaway if you are worried about a life-threatening emergency or serious injury.
All accident and emergency departments use a priority system where the most seriously ill or injured patients are seen first. When attending the emergency department at North Tees our staff will assess your condition and if you do not require emergency services you will be directed to our urgent care service.
Choose right, avoid the emergency department (A&E) where possible
Hospitals are under pressure – especially emergency departments. We need to make sure specialised hospital staff treat people who really need their expert help in life-threatening or emergency situations.
Unsure? Confused? Need help? Talk before you walk
Call NHS 111 – they will give advice or book you in to see the right service.
Call NHS 111 for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year – it operates weekends and Bank Holidays.