Our emergency department is just one of the urgent care services in Southampton. If you need medical attention but it is not life threatening, there are a number of other local NHS services to choose from. Selecting the right one will help you get the treatment you need faster.

Urgent treatment centre (UTC)

Our nearest UTC is based at Royal South Hants Hospital. The centre offers treatment, advice and information on a range of minor injuries, including minor burns, sprains and broken bones in arms, lower legs or feet.

Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 10pm
Weekends and bank holidays, 8am to 10pm

You do not need to book an appointment. Find out more, including current waiting times, on the Urgent Treatment Centre website.

NHS 111

NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to access medical help and advice. All calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Supported by experienced nurses and paramedics, fully trained advisors will assess your symptoms and give advice. They can direct you to a local service including an out of hours doctor or dentist, walk-in centre, district nurse or 24 hour chemist.

Call 111 if:

you need medical help fast, but it’s not a life threatening emergency
you don’t know who to call or don’t have a GP to call
you are unsure if you need to go to an emergency department or need another NHS urgent care service
you need health information or reassurance about what to do next

Where possible, advisers will book you an appointment or transfer your call to the service you need. If NHS 111 think you need an ambulance, they will arrange for one to be sent to you.

You can also access 111 online by visiting 111.nhs.uk

Textphone and interpreter services

You can use the 111 service through a textphone by calling 18001 111. There is also a confidential interpreter service, available in many languages. Please mention the language you require when the operator answers your call.

As of February 2024, you can also get treatment for seven common conditions at your local pharmacy, without needing to see a GP or get a prescription.

Highly trained pharmacists will be able to assess and treat patients for

sinusitis
sore throat
earache
infected insect bite
impetigo
shingles
uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (under the age of 65)

Find out more on the NHS England website

Pharmacy First Services listed above are available without prescription.

Your local pharmacy

Community pharmacists can offer advice and treatment for a wide range of minor health concerns. You don't need an appointment to see a pharmacist - just ask to speak to one at the counter.

Pharmacies can also provide services such as:

emergency contraception
advice on how to manage long term conditions
medicine reviews
healthy eating advice
help with stopping smoking.

Pharmacies with longer opening hours

There are currently four pharmacies in Southampton that are open extra hours (up to 100 hours a week).

Boots West Quay Retail Park, Southampton, SO15 1BA
Asda Pharmacy, The Marlands, Portland Terrace, Southampton, SO14 7EG
Adelaide Pharmacy, Western Community Hospital, William Macleod Way, Southampton, SO16 4XE
Bitterne Pharmacy, 62a West End Road, Bitterne, Southampton, SO18 6TG

Urgent care services