Urgent care is for minor injuries or illnesses which need medical attention the same day, but are not serious enough for the Emergency Department.
Caring for yourself at home
Remember, many minor illnesses can be treated at home with advice from your local pharmacist or a well-stocked first aid kit. Find out more about caring for yourself at home.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists are highly trained and provide free, confidential advice on minor illnesses from sickness and diarrhoea to hay fever.
GP practices
Your GP practice is the first place for most healthcare needs.
GP practices across the county have come together to offer GP appointments at evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Appointments can be booked through your GP practice and may also be offered via NHS 111 if assessment of your symptoms suggests this is the best option for you.
Urgent Care Centres
If you need urgent care for a less serious condition, Urgent Care Centres are available at Hexham and Wansbeck general hospitals. Walk-in access is available between 8am and 10pm, and appointments can be offered via NHS 111 if assessment of your symptoms suggests this is the best option for you.
These services treat conditions such as:
- Minor head, ear or eye problems
- Broken nose or nose bleed
- Sprains, strains, cuts and bites
- Children’s minor injuries and ailments (for children, and particularly babies, we advise parents to call ahead using the free NHS 111 service)
- Minor fractures or broken bones
- Abscesses and wound infections
Minor injuries units
Blyth Community Hospital (as at January 2020, this unit is temporarily closed)
NHS 111
If you have an urgent need which is not life-threatening, NHS 111 health advisors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you get the right medical attention for your needs.
Emergency care
Please keep 999 and the Emergency Department at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital for serious or life-threatening illness or injuries only. If your health need is not an emergency, you will be referred to a different service on arrival.