Press release
Town centre service offers fast care, no appointment needed
Local GPs have joined forces with Nurses at Bury’s Walk-in Centre to offer a no appointment walk in service, seven days a week.
The new service known as the Bury Urgent Care Service sees BARDOC (Bury And Rochdale Doctors On Call), the nurse led Walk-in Centre at Bury and Rock Healthcare working together so that unwell patients can be assessed and treated speedily by the most appropriate healthcare professional.
The service is open from 8am to 10pm, every day of the year, and is located in a convenient town centre location at Moorgate Primary Care Centre on Derby Way, Bury.
The service complements existing services such as those offered at GP surgeries and at the nurse led Walk-in Centre in Prestwich, and where appropriate patients should continue to use these existing services.
The new service can offer patients the level of care that they would expect from their own GP surgery, but when they need to see a doctor or nurse at short notice, without an appointment, including during the evening and at weekends.
Bury Urgent Care Service aims to offer an alternative choice, without an appointment, for anyone who is suffering from an ailment, illness or injury that needs assessing quickly, but isn’t serious enough to require a visit to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department.
Dr. Alison Close, lead GP for the new service said:
“Our service is ideal for patients who need a quick assessment, but their condition isn’t serious enough to warrant a trip to A&E. Many people attend A&E with relatively minor conditions, and have a potentially long wait if their condition isn’t serious. A&E isn’t the only drop in service, and patients can now use Bury Urgent Care Service for fast access to a GP or nurse, in a handy town centre location.”
Patients can expect to be seen in around 30 minutes at Bury Urgent Care Service, and may get to see a GP or an experienced nurse, depending on their need.
Dr. Close continued: “by using local services wisely, patients can ensure they get the most appropriate treatment, as quickly as possible, whilst doing their bit to free up emergency services for those that need them most. If you are unwell and don’t need to go to A&E then Bury Urgent Care Service could be the place for you - we are open from 8am to 10pm seven days a week and we have experienced nurses and GP’s who can assess, advise and treat you.”
The service is located at Moorgate Primary Care Centre on the first floor, 22 Derby Way, Bury, BL9 ONJ.
ENDS
Date: 16 June 2010
FOR PRESS & MEDIA ENQUIRIES: contact Caroline Dearden, Corporate Communications Manager on 0161 762 3106 or email communications@bury.nhs.uk
Notes to editor:
BARDOC continues to be available to provide GP out of hours medical care when a patient’s GP surgery is closed.
A&E or 999 should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation.
A&E departments assess and treat patients with serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergencies, in situations such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Acute confused state
- Persistent, severe chest pain or breathing difficulties
Bury Urgent Care Service does not provide X-ray facilities.