Health Minister opens new Urgent Care Centre at Ulster Hospital

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has officially opened the new Urgent Care Centre (UCC) at the Ulster Hospital, marking a significant step in transforming urgent and emergency healthcare delivery in Northern Ireland.

Open seven days a week from 8.00am to 6.00pm, the Urgent Care Centre is purpose-built to manage non-critical conditions and minor injuries separately from serious emergency cases, aiming to reduce pressure on the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED).

Speaking at the opening, Minister Nesbitt said:

“The new Urgent Care Centre is purpose built and represents a major change to unscheduled care services at the Ulster Hospital, helping to deliver modern healthcare to the population in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust area.”

The Minister underlined the centre’s integration with the existing ED, describing it as a means to improve efficiency and the overall patient experience.

“Through its integration with the Emergency Department (ED), the Urgent Care centre will also improve patient flow, reduce ED pressures and optimise care. It will not only enhance but will significantly improve the patients’ experience. Therefore, they will be seen in the right place, by the right people at the right time, and that will lead to better outcomes for patients.”

The new facility supports the Department of Health’s wider strategy as outlined in the Emergency and Urgent Care Review, which calls for better integration of emergency and urgent care services across the health trusts.

“It represents a significant capital and service development and advances my Department’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Emergency and Urgent Care Review,” added Minister Nesbitt, “which highlighted the need to better integrate Urgent and Emergency Care in Trusts, which this investment delivers.”

Accessible and flexible care

The centre operates as a walk-in facility, open daily without the need for an appointment. For those with minor injuries seeking additional convenience, appointments can be made through the Phone First service from Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm – although this is entirely optional.

Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, Roisin Coulter, welcomed the official opening and praised the teams who brought the project to life.

“We are delighted to welcome the Health Minister to officially open the Urgent Care Centre at the Ulster Hospital. This facility is a key part of our commitment to delivering safe, timely and effective care for patients.

“The teams working in this state-of-the art, purpose-built facility, will be able to assess and treat a range of minor injuries and patients requiring urgent care.”

“I would like to thank all of our staff for their dedication and commitment to developing this fantastic Centre,” she added.

Concluding his remarks, Minister Nesbitt expressed his confidence in the facility’s positive impact on local healthcare.

“I am delighted to open the Urgent Care Centre today. It is much needed and will serve the community greatly. The facilities are modern, first class and will help to deliver the appropriate care to patients.”

The Ulster Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre stands as a vital advancement in patient-centred healthcare for the region, ensuring timely access to treatment while safeguarding the capacity of emergency departments to handle the most critical cases.