The New QEII Hospital Urgent Care Centre f after closing overnight in January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patients with minor injuries or illnesses are asked to use the NHS111 online service to determine whether they need hospital treatment and, if so, will be directed to the Urgent Care Centre.
The services for minor injuries at the New QEII will be available 24 hours a day, with one exception – X-rays will not be available after 11pm, so patients may be asked to attend the following morning.
For minor illnesses, please contact NHS111 online to get a booked appointment as a GP will not be available round the clock.
Children can be treated for minor injuries 24 hours a day, but those under the age of one with a minor injury will continue to be treated at Lister Hospital in Stevenage. Again, please contact NHS 11 to get a booked appointment for minor illnesses.
Examples of minor injuries and illnesses include:
- Muscle and joint injuries e.g. strains, sprains, soft tissue injury and back pain (new onset, not chronic)
- Minor wound infections and cellulitis
- Suspected simple bone fractures
- Bites and stings
- Simple wounds and lacerations
- Superficial burns and scalds
- Removal of foreign bodies from the ears or nose (e.g. buried studs, rings)
- Minor eye injuries
- Minor head injuries with no loss of consciousness
- Superficial wound closure
- Removal of splinters
- Ear and throat infections
- Skin infections and rashes
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Emergency (hormonal) contraception.
Please attend alone wherever possible to help maintain social distancing and wear a face covering unless you are exempt.
If you have a minor injury or illness, remember to use the online www.111.nhs.uk service or call 111 first to determine whether you need hospital treatment.
