Crawley residents encouraged to use Urgent Treatment Centre for urgent but non-life-threatening care
Health leaders are encouraging people in Crawley to use Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) for urgent health problems that are not life-threatening, as hospitals across Sussex continue to experience very high levels of demand.
Emergency departments remain extremely busy, with patients being clinically prioritised according to clinical need. Using the most appropriate local service helps ensure that people who need emergency care can be treated as quickly as possible.
Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre, based at Crawley Hospital, provides assessment and treatment for a wide range of urgent but non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. These include:
- Sprains and strains
- Minor fractures and suspected broken bones
- Cuts, wounds and minor burns
- Bites and stings
- Minor head injuries
- Infections requiring urgent assessment
- Minor eye injuries
- Ongoing wound care and dressing changes
- Sudden illness when GP services are unavailable
The UTC is staffed by doctors, emergency nurse practitioners, paramedic practitioners and experienced healthcare professionals. Most patients are assessed, treated and discharged during their visit, with treatment summaries and any follow-up advice shared with the patient’s GP.
Crawley UTC operates as a walk-in service, seven days a week from 7.30am to 10pm, and no referral is required. Patients who are unsure whether the UTC is the right place for them can contact NHS 111 for advice. NHS 111 is available online and by phone 24 hours a day and can help direct people to the most appropriate service for their needs.
Patients attending the service are booked in with a receptionist and then clinically triaged by a practitioner, who will assess their condition and confirm the next steps. This may include treatment within the unit, self-care advice, signposting to another service, or referral on if further care is required.
Local patients have spoken positively about their experiences at Crawley UTC.
Tina said: “Great service received at Crawley walk-in centre over the last 10 days. As it was only dressing changes the waiting time wasn’t too long. The staff were friendly, kind, patient and efficient despite a constant queue of people wanting to be seen.”
Jennifer added: “Fantastic job at Crawley UTC. As an oncology patient, I was immediately escorted to a private area and seen by a doctor about 45 minutes later. Prescription sent to my pharmacy immediately. Highly recommended.”
Karen Eastman, Chief Medical Officer at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “Right now, hospitals across Sussex are extremely busy. Teams are working incredibly hard to care for those who need us most. If you need help urgently, but it is not life-threatening, then you need to head to your nearest urgent treatment centre or minor injury unit.
“They can treat a wide range of injuries and ailments, often more quickly and closer to your home. By choosing an urgent treatment centre or minor injury unit for problems like sprains, minor fractures, infections or wounds, you not only get the care that you need faster, but you also help to keep extremely busy emergency departments free for the sickest of our patients.
“You can check NHS 111 online or give them a call to find out the right place for you. Thank you for supporting your NHS this winter.”
People are reminded that A&E departments are for life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness or signs of stroke. Anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency should call 999 or attend A&E as normal.
Kindness and patience towards NHS staff during this busy period is appreciated, as teams across Crawley and West Sussex continue to work hard to provide safe, high-quality care for local communities.