SOUTHAMPTON residents can enjoy the upcoming bank holiday while avoiding unnecessary trips to A&E.

A new Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) to help reduce the number of people visiting A&E will be providing help over the August bank holiday and beyond.

The UTC has taken over from the minor injuries unit at the Fanshawe Wing at the Royal South Hants Hospital.

The offers treatment for a range of minor injuries and illnesses, as well as offering x-ray facilities and diagnostic testing.

It has a special children’s waiting area which, along with its short waiting times, makes it "ideal for families" needing care for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions.

The UTC provides assessment and treatment for suspected broken limbs, minor head injuries, strains and sprains, minor scalds and burns, ear and throat infections, minor illnesses and emergency contraception.

Hospital director Penny Daniels said: “The August bank holiday is a very busy time for A&E departments. NHS estimates suggest up to three million people who visit A&E departments each year could have their needs addressed elsewhere in the urgent care system.

“While A&E is always the right choice for life or limb-threatening illness or injury, our UTC can offer treatment for a range of conditions such as a throat infection, an insect bite or a fracture.

“I think people might be surprised by just how much the UTC can do – it is far more than just a minor injuries unit. Clinical staff experienced in urgent care treatment can assess and diagnose more conditions, prescribe medication and provide onward referrals to appropriate healthcare departments, giving patients faster access to the treatment they need.”

Patients can walk into the UTC with no appointment necessary.

However, if they are uncertain their condition is suitable for treatment at the centre they can call the NHS 111 helpline for advice.

The service is open seven days a week, Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 10pm and weekends and bank holidays am to 10pm.

The last patient is accepted at 9.30pm.

Waiting times for walk-in patients can be found at www.royalsouthhantsutc.nhs.uk.