I've just come back from the Urgent Care Centre at Guy's Hospital in London. I had a bad fall down about 15 stairs yesterday afternoon. My knee is now swollen and really hard to walk on. My chest is painful, especially when I breathe in deeply, and my wrist is sore and stiff too.
My GP surgery isn't open on a Saturday, but I knew my injuries weren't serious enough to go to A&E - plus I'm pretty sure A&E would be really busy at this time of the year!
I was seen within 30 minutes by a brilliant Emergency Nurse Practitioner called Ian. He checked me from top to toe, including my eyes and ears, my neck, knee and wrist movements. Then a GP called Naveen checked my chest and listened to my lungs.
I was sent straight away for an x-ray on my knee, the results came back immediately and I got the all clear: no bones broken, just bruised. Ian then told me about what to expect over the next couple of days, which pain killers I can take, and what exercises I can do.
Nothing could have been better. It was really quick, taking 2 hours in total. Everything was really well explained, all the staff - including the receptionist Christine - were absolutely lovely: very polite, caring and professional. I cannot recommend the Centre highly enough and was just amazed more people weren't there.
Its open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week, 365 days a year. I think if more people knew about it they would definitely chose it over A&E! Well done our fantastic NHS.
"Great staff at Urgent Care Centre"
About: Guy's Hospital / Urgent care centre Guy's Hospital Urgent care centre London SE1 9RT
Posted by Kennington patient (as ),
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