SOUTHAMPTON residents are being reminded of the services that will be on hand during the three-day bank holiday weekend when GP surgeries are closed and A&E departments and paramedics are at their busiest.

The Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) service, at the Fanshawe Wing at the Royal South Hants Hospital, is led by a team of clinicians who can offer treatment for a range of minor injuries, as well as offering x-ray facilities and a range of diagnostic testing.

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

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 injuries from insect bites to some fractures.”

Patients can walk in, as no appointment is necessary. However, if they are uncertain whether their condition is suitable for treatment at the centre, advice can be gained from the NHS 111 helpline. Anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19, including a persistent new cough, high temperature or loss of sense of smell or taste, must not attend the UTC but should call 111 for guidance and support.

The service is open seven days a week, 8am – 8pm with the last patient accepted at 7.30pm. The current waiting times for walk-in patients can be found at royalsouthhantsutc.nhs.uk and on Twitter @Southampton_UTC.

The Fanshawe Wing of the hospital, which houses the UTC, is off Graham Road.