Emergency and urgent care services

NHS walk-in centres (WiCs) offer convenient access to a range of treatment. WiCs are managed by primary care trusts (PCTs). There are around 93 centres in England, dealing with minor illnesses and injuries.

These include:

• infection and rashes,
• fractures and lacerations,
• emergency contraception and advice,
• stomach upsets,
• cuts and bruises, and
• burns and strains.

NHS WiCs are usually managed by a nurse and are available to everyone. Patients do not need an appointment. Most centres are open 365 days a year and outside office hours. Some newly opened centres may offer different opening hours during their first few months.

NHS WiCs treat around three million patients a year and have proved to be a successful complementary service to traditional GP and A&E services. Some NHS WiCs offer access to doctors as well as nurses. However, they are not designed for treating long-term conditions or immediately life-threatening problems.

Some WICs and minor injuries units may not treat young children. The decision lies with the WIC or minor injuries unit and is based on the capacity, resource or skill levels available. Please contact your local WIC or minor injuries unit in advance if you are not sure if you or your child can be treated there. You can look up the details for your local WIC using the Health services near you tool on this page.