News

Local people are being urged to make more use of Corby Urgent Care Centre rather than travelling to Kettering General Hospital’s A&E department.

During the Covid-19 pandemic use of the Cottingham Road centre – which is open every day of the year from 8am-8pm – has dropped significantly.

As a result Corby Urgent Centre, Kettering General Hospital, and East Midlands Ambulance Service, are working together to ensure that appropriate patients do make good use of the centre for urgent but non-life threatening treatment.

You can visit Corby Urgent Care Centre for help with:

• A minor injury that needs additional immediate treatment or investigation, such as sprains or soft tissue injuries, fractures or broken bones, minor burns or scalds and minor head injuries.

• If you suffer from a medical condition which is getting worse or if you have been directed to do so by your GP

You should not visit the Corby Urgent Care Centre:

• If you have a minor illness such as a cough or cold. We advise you contact your GP practice or seek advice from a pharmacist.
• If you have a long term condition which has deteriorated. Contact your GP practice for advice on that.
• If you have a life-threatening emergency or serious condition, such as a suspected heart attack, stroke, sepsis (blood poisoning) or major bleeding (call 999 for an ambulance immediately)

Kettering General Hospital’s Clinical Director of A&E, Dr Adrian Ierina, said: “Often we see patients who could be seen at Corby Urgent Care Centre travelling all the way to KGH to attend our A&E department.

“Naturally this increases pressure on the department, where we have strict rules around social distancing, and we very much hope that people will look at using Corby Urgent Care Centre instead where this is appropriate.

“The teams at both venues are highly skilled and they will ensure you get prompt, appropriate care for your condition.”

Corby Urgent Care Centre’s Clinical Services Manager, Des Daly, said: “While many people clearly do understand that we are still here and open for business every day - there does seem to be a sizable number who do not.

“Corby Urgent Care Centre is for patients who need help, advice or treatment for most common injuries and illnesses that are urgent but not life threatening.

“That means we can support and care for a very large number of people with problems without them needing to travel to the A&E department at Kettering General Hospital.

“So our message is please consider Corby Urgent Care Centre if you have an illness which is urgent but not life-threatening.”

If you are unsure what to do, phone 111. This service can help you get the right care, first time – including an emergency ambulance if you need one, or the Out if Hours medical service if your GP practice is closed.

If you are treated at the Urgent Care Centre, staff can give advice about what you should do next. But please be aware that the Urgent Care Centre cannot:

• Issue you with a sick note
• Prescribe routine regular medication
• Offer routine blood tests
• Offer vaccinations
• Arrange follow-up appointments with your GP practice (you must do this yourself)
• Refer you on to specialist hospital clinics, including for cancer diagnosis (contact your own GP practice)

The Corby Urgent Care Centre, is run by One Medical Group who are an NHS provider, and it is open 8.00am - 8.00pm every day of the year.

During these hours, patients with the right need can walk in and be seen without an appointment. The Corby Urgent Care Centre is located on Cottingham Road, Corby, NN17 2UR.