HEALTH & WELLBEING
URGENT but not lie
threatning
If you think that your medical need is urgent, but importantly not life- threatening, then visiting an urgent care centre is likely to be the most clinically appropriate and convenient place for you.
The demand from London residents using this type of healthcare to deal with an urgent medical problem is increasing at a rapid rate. The number of patients visiting urgent care centres was up a third last winter and in January alone there were around a 1,000 patient visits at some centres. The convenience of fast access to high standard medical care is an important factor, and one that is likely to drive more patients through the doors of urgent care centres.
Convenience is key
For anyone requiring urgent medical attention, being able to access healthcare quickly is critical. If you think that you or your family may need to visit an urgent care centre, you will not have to ring up beforehand or deal with lengthy waiting times for an appointment. You can simply walk in to a
centre, be seen and treated at a time convenient for you. Extended opening hours mean that you can even be seen before or after work.
Whilst time is of the essence when it comes to receiving healthcare, the quality of care delivered is also pertinent. Centres are equipped with world-class clinicians who specialise in providing urgent care, as well as the latest diagnostic tests and treatment. Most urgent care centres are located within bigger entities and can refer patients to other department specialists for follow-up treatment, further investigations or inpatient care if needed.
With the expanding network of urgent care centres, there is assurance that no matter where in London you are, a centre is not too far away. Not only will their specialists see and treat you in the most clinically appropriate and quickest way possible; but also, should your condition worsen, there is the reassuring back up that most centres’ flagship hospitals contain intensive care facilities. Whatever your urgent medical need is, they can take care of you.
Instant access to healthcare when you need it most
If you were to feel ill unexpectedly or suspect that you may have sustained an injury, where would you go? Would you book to see your doctor or would you visit your nearest Accident and Emergency department? If you have time constraints and a fast-paced lifestyle, another way to receive the care and treatment that you need, quickly, would be to visit an urgent care centre. If you start to feel unwell, you may consider one of the networks of urgent care centres across the capital, which have extended opening hours. An urgent care centre is an alternative to the A&E, usually treating minor illnesses and injuries that cannot be seen by your GP. Some NHS hospitals have urgent care facilities and these are private (fee-paying) centres, which offer the convenience of shorter waiting times and may be covered by private health care insurance.
HCA Healthcare UK has urgent healthcare centres in London. They can be reached at 020 3733 4869 and
www.urgentcarecentre.co.uk
www.focus-info.org FOCUS The Magazine 29
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