PEOPLE in Somerset needing immediate medical help will attend Urgent Treatment Centres across the county from April 1.

The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has announced six minor injuries units (MIU) in the county will be renamed Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC).

UTCs will provide exactly the same service as the current MIUs, from the same team of specialist nurses, paramedics and healthcare assistants.

The name change brings them in line with units across the country, the NHS said.

Somerset UTCs are open seven days a week, from 8am to 9pm, with last patients at 8.30pm, through community hospitals in Bridgwater, Chard, Frome, Minehead, Shepton Mallet and West Mendip (Glastonbury).

Burnham-on-Sea Community Hospital will remain as an MIU, as the hours are slightly shorter – from 10am to 6pm (last patient 5.30pm) – and, unlike the other six, doesn’t have X-ray facilities.

Mike Paynter, consultant nurse for community urgent care services at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Although we’re changing the name to Urgent Treatment Centres, there will be absolutely no difference for patients, except you may see different signage in places.

“Our team of emergency practitioners, who are clinicians with specialised training and skills in urgent care, will still be here to provide care and treatment if you have a non-life-threatening injury or illness, and want to be seen quickly – usually in under two hours.

“At all six of our Urgent Treatment Centres based across Somerset in our community hospitals at Bridgwater, Chard, Frome, Minehead, Shepton Mallet and West Mendip (Glastonbury), as well as our MIU at Burnham-on-Sea, can treat a wide range of non-life-threatening minor illnesses and injuries.

“You don’t need an appointment to attend, although we’d recommend contacting NHS 111 first to ensure the Urgent Treatment Centre is the right place for your problem and there’s even free parking.”

He urged people to be aware of the care options available as the May Bank Holiday approaches – a busy time for the NHS.

“It’s even more important to know what NHS services are available, so we’d recommend either calling NHS 111 or going to the NHS Somerset website for more information,” he said.

Newly-named Urgent Treatment Centres can care for a range of illnesses and injuries

What can Urgent Treatment Centres and MIUs in Somerset treat?

• Sprains and strains
• Broken bones (no x-ray available at Burnham-on-Sea)
• Cuts and wounds
• Bites
• Minor head injuries
• Chest infections
• Throat infections
• Eye infections
• Urinary infections
• Emergency contraception

“If you’re not sure which service you need, we’d strongly encourage you to contact the 24/7 free NHS 111 telephone health advice line,” Mike added.

“For life-threatening emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, unconsciousness and breathing problems call 999, please do not attend an Urgent Treatment Centre or MIU.”

Find more details about care options at nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/which-nhs-service.