News and media releases from the Surrey Heartlands area
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Surrey resident’s quick trip to urgent treatment centre shows how choosing the right service pays off
When Kay, from Ashtead, injured her finger during a walking netball session, she initially hoped it would simply sort itself out.
She suspected it might need to be checked by a healthcare professional but was keen to avoid a long wait in A&E, especially as it wasn’t life-threatening. But as the days passed, her finger still wasn’t improving.
A friend from netball suggested she try calling NHS 111, explaining that they may be able to book her into an urgent treatment centre. Still in pain and unable to straighten her finger, Kay picked up the phone.
NHS 111 quickly directed her to the Urgent Treatment Centre at Ashford Hospital.
Kay said:
My phone call was answered quickly, and the person I spoke to was helpful and professional.
An appointment was arranged within an hour.
The urgent treatment centre service was excellent, I was seen without a long wait and given an X-ray that showed a small segment of bone and a torn tendon.
I was given information on aftercare and booked in with the hand clinic later that week.
Stella Davey, Divisional Chief Nurse for Urgent and Emergency Care at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
Demand on urgent and emergency care rises significantly over winter.
A&E is for life-threatening conditions and serious emergencies; many illnesses can be safely treated elsewhere.
Choosing the right service, Pharmacy First, NHS 111 online or by phone, GPs, urgent treatment centres and safe havens, helps keep A&E free for those who are seriously unwell.
Kay’s story highlights how urgent treatment centres and walk-in centres can provide timely care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, such as sprains, cuts, or suspected minor breaks.
Community pharmacies can also offer advice and treatment for colds, flu, and other common winter illnesses, helping people get the care they need closer to home.