Urgent treatment centres are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people attend A&E for.

At a UTC you don’t need an appointment, although one can be given through NHS 111 and may be best to avoid long waits.

UTCs can deal with things like:

• sprains and strains
• minor head injuries
• cuts and grazes
• suspected broken bones or fractures to the limbs - some UTCs have x-ray services
• bites and stings
• infected wounds
• minor scalds and burns
• minor eye problems

Patients who visit the UTC will be seen as quickly as possible, in order of their clinical need. 

Minor Injuries Unit

A Minor Injuries Unit provides treatment for patients with common injuries, such as scalds, burns, cuts, stings, bites, and suspected broken bones, which although not life-threatening do still need urgent medical treatment. 

They do not provide treatment for patients with dental problems, breathing difficulties, chest pain, coughs and colds, headaches, urine infections, rashes, stomach and bowel problems or other general illnesses. Nor do they provide treatment for patients unable to get a GP appointment or needing a repeat prescription.