Urgent Care

Urgent Care Services in Bexley

Bexley Health Neighbourhood Care (BHNC) is proud to deliver urgent care services across the borough through the Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup and Erith Health Centre. Working in partnership with NHS organisations and local healthcare providers, we provide accessible, high-quality urgent care for patients who need medical attention quickly but do not require emergency treatment.

Our urgent care services help ensure that residents can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time. By offering convenient alternatives to Accident & Emergency departments, we help patients receive timely treatment while supporting the wider NHS system.

What We Provide

Our Urgent Treatment Centres offer assessment, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, including:

Minor injuries such as sprains, strains and cuts
Minor illnesses, infections and respiratory conditions
Musculoskeletal problems and joint injuries
Wound care and dressing changes
Advice, treatment and onward referral where required
Access to diagnostic support and clinical assessment
Same-day urgent care for patients referred through NHS 111 and other
healthcare services

Supporting Patients Across Bexley

The UTCs at Queen Mary’s Hospital and Erith Health Centre are staffed by experienced multidisciplinary teams, including GPs, advanced clinical practitioners, nurses, advanced clinical practitioners and healthcare professionals who work together to deliver safe and effective care.

Our teams are committed to providing a positive patient experience, ensuring that individuals receive timely clinical assessment and appropriate treatment whilst minimising unnecessary hospital attendances.

Working as Part of an Integrated Urgent Care System

Urgent care services form an important part of Bexley’s wider healthcare system. BHNC works closely with local hospitals, GP practices, NHS 111, community services and the South East London Integrated Care System to ensure patients receive coordinated care and seamless access to the services they need.

Through strong partnerships and a focus on high-quality patient care, we continue to develop urgent care services that improve access, support local communities and help reduce pressure on emergency departments.

Delivering Better Outcomes Together

By providing responsive, accessible and patient-centred urgent care services, BHNC helps ensure that local residents receive timely treatment closer to home. Our urgent care teams play a vital role in improving health outcomes, reducing avoidable hospital attendances and supporting a more sustainable healthcare system for the people of Bexley.

Enhanced Access

BHNC provides evening and weekend GP appointments through the Enhanced Access service, available Monday to Saturday (excluding bank holidays) for all patients registered with a Bexley GP. Appointments are available Monday to Friday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm. These clinics are delivered across a network of local access hubs and offer same-day and routine appointments with GPs and multidisciplinary team members. Patients may be referred for diagnostics, urgent referrals, or follow-up care as needed, helping to ensure continuity and timely support for both planned and unplanned care needs.

Virtual Clinical Assessment Service

The Virtual Clinical Assessment Service (vCAS) was introduced to support the urgent care system during periods of high demand, including winter pressures. Delivered by GPs, the service offers remote assessment, treatment, or onward referral for patients needing urgent care. Referrals are accepted via NHS 111, with the service operating on weekends from 9:00am to 5:00pm and bank holidays (excluding Christmas Day) from 10:00am to 2:00pm. While vCAS provides fast and effective care, some patients — including children under 5 with COVID, end-of-life cases, and those needing prescriptions or sick notes — are not eligible for referral.