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When Should I Go to Urgent Care Instead of A&E?

Urgent Care vs A&E

Knowing where to go when you’re unwell can be stressful. At London Urgent Care Centre, we often help patients who aren’t sure whether to head straight to A&E or visit us instead. Here’s how to make the right call.

What Is Urgent Care?

Urgent care is for medical issues that need attention quickly but aren’t life-threatening. Think infections, minor injuries, or sudden pain. We treat you fast — without the long waits of A&E.

Visit Urgent Care For:

  • Minor burns or scalds
  • Infections (e.g. ear, chest, eye, urinary)
  • Sprains, cuts or suspected fractures
  • Rashes or allergic reactions
  • Fever or flu-like symptoms
  • STD

Our services page has the full list. (LINK)

What Is A&E For?

A&E is the best option for:

  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Severe bleeding or head injuries
  • Stroke symptoms
  • Major trauma
  • Hip Fracture/Injuries
  • Heart attacks or strokes
  • Major trauma/ road traffic accident
  • Head injuries
  • Pregnancy related conditions
  • Mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression or suicidal ideation or attempted suicide
  • Poisoning or medication overdose
  • Acutely unwell children and adults
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe hypertension (severe high blood pressure)
  • Hip Injury and Hip fracture

If in doubt, always call 999.

Benefits of Choosing Urgent Care

  • No long A&E wait times
  • Same-day treatment
  • Access to experts, GPs and specialists
  • Fast diagnosis and prescriptions

Need care now? Walk in today to feel better, faster, or contact us to save time and get expert help fast.