Call NHS 111 first for advice if you need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation/999 emergency.  Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. This will direct you to your local Urgent Care Centre (HUC)

In a genuine emergency you should call 999. Chest pains, shortness of breath or possible stroke symptoms constitute an emergency.

Walk in Urgent Care Centres:

Urgent Care Centre QE2 &  Herts Valleys Urgent Care

Urgent Care Centres are open every day of the year to treat adults and children of all ages with minor injuries or minor illnesses. No appointment is necessary. X-rays can be carried out at the Centres - although not 24 hours.

 Urgent Care Centres can treat:

• Muscle and joint injuries, such as strains, sprains, sudden back or neck pain, tendonitis and soft tissue injuries
• Suspected fractures and broken bones
• Bites, stings, cuts, bruises and grazes, burns and scalds
• Foreign bodies that are stuck in ears or noses
• Minor eye injuries, minor head injuries
• Minor illnesses which would normally be treated by a GP, but which can’t wait until your GP practice is next open

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 Minor Injuries Unit St Albans City Hospital is TEMPORARILY CLOSED DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

In many situations, Urgent Care centres will be more appropriate and usually a shorter wait than attending Accident and Emergency. 111 can advise you which is more appropriate.

A fast and convenient alternative to the 111 phone service for people who want to access 111 digitally. 

Your needs will be assessed and you will be given advice about:

• Treatment at home
• Attending a Primary Care Centre for face to face assessment

Click here to access NHS 111 online or call 111 to speak to a staff member.

We work with local practices to offer you a further choice of appointments outside standard working hours.  These surgeries are run from a "hub" practice, meaning you may be seen by a doctor from a different practice in a different location. This doctor would, however, with your explicit consent, have access to your full medical record.  

The Hub practices are: