We spoke with George Stephens, an advanced clinical practice lead at Lister Hospital, about the differences between an urgent treatment centre and the Emergency Department, and when you should visit them. Our East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust is committed to providing the best possible care, and we are pleased to announce that, in addition to opening to adults earlier this year, our Lister Urgent Treatment Centre (sometimes called the UTC) is now open to children aged one year and above. This means that families have more options than ever when their child needs prompt, but non-emergency care – but please bring your child to our Emergency Department first.
The UTC is designed to care for non-life or limb-threatening conditions, such as minor burns, fractures, cuts, sprains, and infections. If your child has one of these conditions, the UTC is an excellent alternative to the Emergency Department, and you may be seen sooner. The UTC offers shorter wait times, skilled healthcare professionals, and a focus on minor injuries and illnesses, ensuring those that need emergency care are prioritised in our emergency department.
As the children’s UTC is a new service, we are growing it slowly and safely. All parents of children who require medical attention are asked to attend our Children’s Emergency Department first, where our friendly nurses will assess the care required and, if eligible, direct you to the UTC. Please be aware, any parents arriving at the UTC with poorly c.