Whenever I visit the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), I am reminded of the very important role it plays within Nottingham’s community.
The Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) is a very busy service that is classified as a type 3 emergency department. The service sees patients of all ages for urgent but not life-threatening conditions - typically of a minor illness or minor injury nature, using an onsite x-ray service to support their assessments and care.
It is staffed by a fantastic team of receptionists, healthcare support workers and registered clinicians (primarily Nurses, Paramedics and Physiotherapists) some of whom are Advanced Clinical Practitioners.
In March the team saw the introduction of the national ‘4-hour sprint’ event to NHS Urgent Treatment Centres and A&Es. A ‘4‑hour sprint’ event is a short, focused improvement activity that addresses urgent operational challenges in A&E and UTC’s.
I am extremely proud that in March, the team saw and discharged 96.24% of all patients within 4 hours against a national target of 78% and a local target of 95%.
“This level of performance, during sustained system pressure is truly exceptional” said Jim Quinn, Head of the UTC, during my visit, he continued “the team work exceptionally hard to deliver unscheduled care to a wide variety of patients, this can be seen through patient feedback where 87% of patients rated their experience as positive in March.”
Jenny Deakin, my Deputy Director of Operations, recently relayed to the team:
“The 4‑hour standard is not an end in itself – but as you know it matters because of what it delivers for patients: timely assessment, faster treatment, reduced anxiety and safer care at one of the most worrying moments of their lives. You should be incredibly proud of the real and meaningful difference you have made for patients through your dedication, teamwork and unwavering commitment to high-quality care”
I had the pleasure of meeting a range of colleagues who are the backbone of the UTC, including Michaela, a receptionist, Clare, a Senior Lead Practitioner and Baz, a clinician. It was a privilege to hear from Denise and Mandy, HealthCare Support Workers, on how they are being supported to expand their skill set and are really enjoying working as part of the team.
The team work exceptionally hard to continually develop and streamline processes to safely and effectively manage increasing patient demand and deliver more timely care. This has included working with our Health Care Support Worker team to take on additional duties such as splinting of fractures, crutch assessments and wound care.
Every colleague in the UTC team should be incredibly proud of not only surpassing both the national and local targets this past month, but also all the work they have and continue to do for the citizen’s of Nottinghamshire. . Thank you.
How to access the Urgent Treatment Centre
The Nottingham Urgent Treatment Centre is open every day from 7am to 7pm, offering walk-in assessment and treatment for urgent, non-life-threatening health concerns such as minor injuries, burns, suspected fractures, and infections. While dental issues and routine services like blood tests are excluded, the centre’s dedicated team delivers timely care, supported by an onsite x-ray service, ensuring swift access and positive outcomes for patients.
Find out more here: www.nottinghamcitycare.nhs.uk/our-services/urgent-treatment-centre
For directions or waiting times, call 0115 883 8500, but please note telephone advice is not available.
Date published: 14 April 2026
