X-ray facility at walk-in centre aims to help reduce pressure on A&E

Company news

Nov 18, 2014

A new x-ray facility introduced at the North Colchester Healthcare Centre in Turner Road is set to help reduce the numbers attending Colchester Hospital’s A&E department.

The centre, which incorporates the local NHS walk-in centre, is run by Care UK. The new x-ray facility, available seven days a week 9am-4.30pm, is a joint venture between Care UK, Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, which is providing clinicians to run the service, and the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (NEECCG), which is funding the initiative, initially until March when it will be reviewed.

Sandy Measor, practice manager at the North Colchester Healthcare Centre, said: “We can now offer an x-ray facility with instant results provided. If the x-ray is normal, we can offer advice and strapping, if needed, here at the centre. If the x-ray shows a fracture, the person will then need to visit A&E for appropriate treatment.”

Paul Hudson, radiology services manager at Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The new service will improve patient care by providing a more efficient and responsive minor injuries x-ray facility.”

Lizzie Wheatley, business manager at NEECCG added: “We believe this new x-ray service is an important step forward in what the walk-in centre offers. It’s convenient for patients and we can help the hospital by people not having to go to A&E if they think they may have broken a bone.

“This simplifies the choice for patients as it now aligns the service offered at the Colchester Walk-in Centre to the Minor Injuries Units at the Fryatt Hospital in Harwich and at the Clacton Community Hospital. If you’re in doubt about where is the best and most appropriate care, please call 111 at any time, or try our website at nhs.com.”

The North Colchester Healthcare Centre is open 7am-10pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year for walk-in patients. These extended hours have also made it a very popular choice with patients who have chosen it as their registered GP surgery. Further information about registering as a patient with North Colchester Healthcare Centre can be obtained on 01206 314015.