New appointment-priority system at Newton Abbot Urgent Treatment Centre

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is introducing the new appointment-priority system to help manage increasing demand and reduce long waits at busy times.

How do I book?

People are being asked to call Newton Abbot UTC directly on 01626 324631 to arrange a same-day appointment.

Appointments can only be booked for that day.

The UTC is open 8am–8pm, seven days a week, including bank holidays.

What happens if I turn up without an appointment?

People can still attend the UTC without an appointment, but those with less urgent conditions will normally be asked to telephone the service to arrange one.

During the transition to the new system, the Trust says staff will be as flexible as possible. Where appropriate, people who arrive without an appointment may be encouraged to make the call while at the hospital and could be given an appointment shortly afterwards.

People who walk in may have to wait longer than those with appointments, particularly when the service is busy.

The Trust says it has planned the number of appointments with the intention that people who need care that day can receive a same-day appointment. A small number of urgent appointment slots will also be kept available for patients with more serious needs.

What if it is an emergency?

People arriving with potentially life-threatening symptoms – such as severe chest pain, significant breathing difficulties or major bleeding – will continue to be assessed immediately.

Newton Abbot is not an Emergency Department, so anyone with a life-threatening illness or injury should call 999 or attend their nearest Emergency Department.

What if I find telephone booking difficult?

The Trust says people who attend in person and are unable to use the telephone booking system independently will be supported and accommodated as quickly as possible.

Staff managing the booking line have also received training to support people with communication needs, disabilities or other circumstances that may make telephone access more difficult.

What can the UTC treat?

The UTC can assess and treat urgent but non-life-threatening conditions including:

• sprains and strains
• cuts, burns and bites
• suspected fractures
• tonsillitis
• ear infections
• uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

It cannot provide ongoing management of long-term conditions, repeat prescriptions, dental treatment or routine wound care and dressing changes.

For these issues, people should contact their GP practice or, for dental problems, their dentist or NHS 111.

Anyone who is more than 12 weeks pregnant, or who has given birth within the previous 28 days and has an urgent concern about their pregnancy or recent birth, should contact the 24-hour maternity triage line on 01803 656588.

The Trust says the new system is intended to spread demand more evenly across the day, reduce periods where large numbers of patients arrive at once and help direct people to the most appropriate service for their needs.