Choose the Right Route

Feeling unwell? Choosing the right route could save you time

If you are suffering with a cold, cough, sore throat or have an injury which is not life-threatening but needs medical attention, think about which service is best for you.

One in four people who go to A&E have minor illnesses or injuries which could be dealt with more quickly at the:

* Walk In Service (at North Colchester Healthcare Centre), situated only minutes from A&E in Colchester
* Clacton Minor Injuries Unit (open 9am-9pm) at Clacton Hospital, Tower Road, Clacton on Sea, CO15 1LH)
* Harwich Minor Injuries Unit (open 9am-5pm at The Fryatt Hospital, Main Road, Harwich, CO12 4EX)

You can drop into any of these services without an appointment. When they are closed you can also contact your GP surgery for your GP out of hours service.

If you are unsure which service is right for you, read on or contact NHS Direct 24 hours a day on 0845 4647 for advice.

Choosing the right route could save you time.

If you or your child has a life threatening illness or injury you should go straight to A&E or call 999 for an ambulance.

Minor Injuries Units (MIU)

Where are the Minor Injuries Units?
We have two Minor Injuries Unitsand you can go to either one. You do not need to call first, just turn up.

Clacton MIU at Clacton Hospital
Tower Road
Clacton on Sea
CO15 1LH
Map for Clacton Minor Injuries Unit

Open 9am – 9pm every day, no appointment needed.
For further information call 01255 201594 or 01255 201662

Harwich MIU at Fryatt Hospital
Main Road
Harwich
CO12 4EX
Map for Harwich Minor Injuries Unit

Open 9am – 5pm every day, no appointment needed
Free parking available
For further information call 01255 201240.

Stop at a Minor Injuries Unit for:

• Cuts, grazes and scratches (including those which might need stitches)
• Sprains, strains and suspected broken bones (including those which might need an X-ray)
• Bites, stings and minor burns
• Minor infections (including eyes)

Walk In Centre (WIC)

Where is the Walk In Centre?
Colchester Walk In Centre is a few minutes walk from the Accident and Emergency Department in Colchester
North Colchester Healthcare Centre
Turner Road
Colchester
CO4 5JR
Map for Walk In Centre

Free parking available
When is the Walk In Centre open?
7am – 10pm every day. You do not need to call first, just turn up.

Stop at the Walk In Centre for:

• Cuts and grazes which do not need stitching
• Sprains and strains (which do not need x-ray)
• Bites, stings and minor burns
• Minor infections (including eyes)
• Blood tests
• GP services
• Smoking cessation and contraceptive advice
• Stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea
• Urine tract infections
• Minor illnesses
• Chesty coughs
• Sore throats

Accident & Emergency (A&E)

Where is A&E?
A&E
Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust
Turner Road
Colchester
CO4 5JL
Map for A&E

When is A&E open?
24 hours every day

Go straight to A&E or call 999 for all life threatening illnesses or injuries:

• Chest pains
• Stroke 
• Shortness of breath
• Blood loss
• Blacking out (loss of consciousness)
• Major injury to a limb, your head or any other part of your body
• A major accident
• Anything you think might be life threatening.

Frequently asked questions

How can NHS Direct help me?
If you are unwell at any time of day or night, you can call NHS Direct for advice on 08457 4647.

When should I contact my GP?
If you have an illness or injury that just won’t go away – like back ache, ear pain, diarrhea or vomiting - make an appointment with your GP. If you are not registered with a GP you can find out how to register with a GP here.

What should I do if I need a GP or NHS dentist out of normal hours?
This out-of-hours service is only for patients who have a really urgent problem when their GP surgery or NHS dental surgeries are closed that cannot wait until re-opening time. The out-of-hours service operates on weekdays from 6.30pm - 8am and at weekends and bank holidays and is provided by Harmoni.

You can contact the out-of-hours service by phoning 0845 602 5215 for GP services or 0845 602 5238 for dental services. Please do not use this number for repeat prescriptions, test results or routine GP appointments.

You can also see a GP at the Walk In Centre in Colchester (link to para above about Walk in centre).

Download leaflet - About the out-of-hours medical and urgent health care service for North East Essex

What can my pharmacist do to help me?
Your local pharmacists are qualified to offer expert help and advice on medicines (prescribed and over-the-counter) as well as many other illnesses such as sore throats, colds and 'flu, hay fever, mouth problems, minor grazes and headaches. The morning after pill can also be purchased from pharmacies.

What should I do if my child has a high temperature?
If your child has a temperature above 38 degrees C or feels very hot and has any of the following symptoms call your GP immediately.

• Tiredness
• Headache
• Runny nose and sneezing
• Sort throat
• Rash
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Aching muscles, limb or joint pain

If it is out of normal hours call the out of hours GP service on 0845 602 5215. You can also call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice 24 hours a day.

If you feel your child has a life threatening illness or injury you should go straight to A & E or call 999.

Where can I get a repeat prescription from?
All repeat prescriptions must be obtained from your own GP surgery.