“Urgent care” refers to medical services for illnesses and injuries that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening. The Urgent Care Service (UCS) is accessible across all the SHaR PCN seven practices, with one urgent care hub in the northern region (Pickering) and one in the southern region (Easingwold).

The UCS provides more capacity for surgeries by offering same-day appointments to patients with simple, acute issues. The UCS can offer a same-day review with a local clinician who will help over the phone first and, if needed, will invite the patient to the hub to be seen the same day. 

This service frees up GP appointments at the surgeries to be used for patients when more complex healthcare needs arise. By helping to manage urgent primary care demand, patients have less need to contact 111 or 999 – relieving pressure on those services in the process, as well as Emergency Departments at the hospitals.

The UCS primarily addresses non-life-threatening conditions that require attention within 24 hours but are not severe enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room. These conditions could include: minor injuries, burns, illnesses and some common health problems, such as gastro issues, ear, nose and throat infections.

Upon contacting your surgery with a health concern, the receptionist will triage your condition and, if your needs are best addressed by the UCS, they will add you to the Urgent Care list for a call back from an UCS Clinician.