| Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website. |
 |
| Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives. |
|
When To Visit An Urgent Treatment CentreUrgent treatment centres (UTCs) provide medical help when it's not a life-threatening emergency. They can diagnose and deal with many of the common problems people go to A&E for. When urgent treatment centres can help instead of A&EUrgent treatment centres are usually staffed by nurses. If you need one, you can often get tests like an ECG (electrocardiogram), blood tests or an X-ray. They can help with things like:
If you need a prescription one can be organised for you. Emergency contraception is also available. NHS 111 online can help if you think you need urgent medical helpIf an urgent treatment centre is not right for your problem you will be offered alternative services. UTCs are separate from A&E, although some might be located in the same hospital building. Letting them know you're comingIf you use NHS 111 and an urgent treatment centre is recommended, 111 can sometimes send your details so the service knows when to expect you. You do not need an appointment to visit a UTC. You do not need to be registered with a GP or have a fixed address to use any UTC. What you should take with youIt's helpful if you bring your prescription, or any medicines you are taking with you. You do not need to know your NHS number. What happens when you get thereGo to reception. If you need help in another language, ask for a British Sign Language (BSL) or other interpreter. If the UTC is expecting you because you used NHS 111, they will already have your details. If the UTC is not expecting you, they'll ask about the reason for your visit and for some personal details. Some urgent treatment centres have a self-assessment tool that you use on arrival. If they know you are coming, you should not need to use it. The self-assessment tool helps work out what order patients should be seen in. People who are the most unwell will be seen first, so sometimes people who arrive after you might be seen before you. It's important to let a member of the UTC staff know if you start to feel worse while you're waiting. What happens nextYou will usually be assessed and treated on site, but you can be referred on to other services if necessary. If you are registered with one, your GP surgery will be contacted afterwards with an update on why you used the service and any treatment you got while there. |
| OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic. | | |
| Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com. | ||