With unprecedent pressure on the NHS, they are asking the local people of Torbay and South Devon to #ChooseWell when they access local services.
If you have an urgent but non-life-threatening health problem, you are asked to contact NHS 111. You will be directed to the right service whether that is self-care, a pharmacy, a GP, Newton Abbot Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) or our Emergency Department (Accident & Emergency).
Callers to NHS 111 can receive time slots to be seen at Newton Abbot UTC, as well as receive appointments with out of hours GP services. The service makes it easier and quicker for patients to get the right advice or treatment for physical or mental health conditions.
Nigel from Torquay, who called NHS 111 after experiencing pain in his foot, said: “The caller advised me to visit Newton Abbot Urgent Treatment Centre after I described my symptoms and, on arrival, the staff were expecting me and I was seen very quickly.
“An x-ray revealed a stress fracture, and within an hour of arrival I was discharged with a cast, advice and a referral to the fracture clinic. The whole experience was fast and seamless. I would highly recommend both the NHS 111 service and the UTC.”
David from South Devon, who recently visited Newton Abbot Urgent Treatment Centre, said: “The experience has been brilliant. I got the treatment I needed and the staff member was very professional. I would say to anybody who needs minor treatments to go there. The staff were very friendly and nice.”
Amy Jones, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, said: “Our Emergency Department can get overwhelmed and we ask that the people of Torbay and South Devon choose well when selecting a service to suit their health condition. NHS 111 will give you advice and get you to the help you need. If you have an emergency for a life-threatening condition that is the time to call 999.”
Newton Abbot UTC often has short waiting times and is open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, and can provide treatment for injuries such as broken bones, sprains, cuts, eye injuries, burns, minor head injuries and many more conditions. The centre also has x-ray facilities. In addition to appointments, it provides a walk-in service.
Please remember, many conditions can be treated through self-care at home with a first aid kit including grazes, scrapes and hangovers, and local pharmacies can provide health advice and help with minor illnesses like colds, rashes and diarrhoea. You don’t need an appointment and they can even provide you with the right medicines at the same time. The HANDi app provides advice on common childhood conditions.
If you feel your condition cannot be treated by self-care, you can look up your symptoms online using the NHS App, the NHS website or 111 online and there may be steps you can take to help yourself before needing to contact your GP or healthcare professional.
If you need Emergency Care because you have a life-threatening condition or are acutely unwell, please choose the Emergency Department at Torbay Hospital.
The NHS 111 service is available 24/7 to provide advice, treatment and care. Just ring 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk and the service will provide advice and refer you to another service if you need it. If you need to be seen in person, they can book you a time slot.
Other available services:
– 24/7 mental health line is available on 0808 196 8708 if you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental wellbeing
– For suspected sexual infections, advice or information as well as emergency contraception and support with unplanned pregnancy contact the Devon Sexual Health service on 0300 303 3989
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