Another busy year for Urgent Care Centre
WIDNES Urgent Care Centre treated more than 45,000 patients last year to help ease pressure on busy hospitals.
The Caldwell Road facility cared for a total of 45,528 people throughout 2016 at an average of 125 every day.
It has a team of specially trained and experienced nurses on hand seven days a week to treat a range of non-serious conditions ranging from suspected simple fractures and allergic reactions to injuries and infections.
The facility, formerly known as Widnes NHS Walk-in Centre, is run by Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Bridgewater) in partnership with NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group.
Bridgewater’s clinical services manager at Widnes Urgent Care Centre Sue Doyle said: “During the past few months, ● there has been an increase in the number of both adults and children we’ve treated with respiratory conditions and we’ve also seen an increased number of children suffering with gastroenteritis.
“Staff have worked tirelessly to provide a consistent high-quality service. During the festive period alone, 1,481 patients came through our doors.
“We continue to urge anyone who has a minor injury or illness to consider their options before going straight to A&E.
“This could include coming to Widnes Urgent Care Centre or visiting a pharmacy, GP or calling NHS 111 for advice.”
Illnesses and minor ailments which can be treated at the centre include cuts or wounds, sore throats, suspected simple fractures, rashes and allergic reactions, bites or stings, minor burns or scalds, minor head injuries, coughs and colds, sprains and strains, earache, eye injuries and infections.
It now also offers x-ray for fracture screening and ultrasound for Deep Vein Thrombosis screening.
A doctor is on site from 8am to 10pm daily.
Call Widnes Urgent Care Centre on 0151 495 5000, option 2 – or visit www.bridgewater.nhs.uk/ halton/ nhs- widnesurgent- care- centre- halton/