Get same-day medical services by accessing the right service at the right time

Each year, the NHS sees increases in the number of people who need NHS help and care over the festive period. This year, however, these pressures are likely to be made more intense due to current and planned industrial action.

If urgent medical attention is required, but it’s not life-threatening, people can go to their nearest minor injuries unit or urgent treatment centre to receive same-day medical care.

They are open at least 12 hours-a-day (some are open 24 hours-a-day), every day.

Minor Injuries Units (MIU) are nurse-led units, and can treat minor complaints such as cuts and scrapes, bruises, small burns, wounds, infections, and other more minor injuries and health needs. You do not need an appointment to use an MIU.

Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) can treat injuries or illnesses that are urgent but not life-threatening. For example, sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites, and stings. Patients do not need to book an appointment to be seen by either a doctor or nurse.

If people are unsure about the level of help they need, they can use NHS111 online, or ring 111 to be directed to the care most appropriate for your needs.

NHS111 call handlers can advise where local NHS services are, help with prescriptions, offer self-care advice, and even arrange appointments, including giving you an arrival time at an Urgent Treatment Centre or A&E.

A spokesperson for NHS Sussex said:

Your local Minor Injury Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre can help with broken bones, sprains and strains, minor burns, and a whole host more.

A visit to one of these services can save you hours of time, and ensure you get the right care for your needs. You can call NHS111 to access and even book an arrival time.