Upgraded minor injury unit in Spalding set to open

The town’s existing minor injury unit at Johnson Community Hospital is being upgraded to a UTC, with appointments available to patients who need urgent medical treatment via the NHS111 First service by calling 111, going online to 111.nhs.uk or by using the NHS111 app.

Tracy Pilcher, deputy chief executive and director of nursing, allied health professionals and operations, at Lincolnshire Community Health Services, said: “The new, upgraded service which will be on offer at our new Spalding Urgent Treatment Centre underlines our commitment to offer quality care, closer to home for people in Lincolnshire.

“The really exciting new benefit for our patients will be the introduction of a bookable appointments service. Available by using the NHS111 service, this gives our patients the opportunity to get the care they need at a time that suits them.

“In addition, the new Spalding Urgent Treatment Centre will be able to provide urgent medical attention for a range of conditions including strains and sprains, broken limbs, cuts and grazes to coughs and colds, stomach pains and minor eye problems.”

The UTC will be open from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.

Patients can walk-in to the service without an appointment and will be assessed but, depending on their condition, may be given an appointment to return later in the day.

Patients who need urgent care overnight are being asked to ring NHS111 for help and advice.

Urgent treatment centres can treat a range of conditions which are not critical or life threatening.

These include:

. sprains and strains

. suspected broken limbs

. minor head injuries

. cuts and grazes

. skin infection and rashes

. bites and stings

. minor eye problems

. coughs and colds

. feverish illness in adults and children

. abdominal pain

. vomiting and diarrhoea

. minor scalds and burns

. emergency contraception.