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A consultation process was undertaken in 2008 as an integral part of development of the NHS North of Tyne Urgent Care Strategy. Consultation focussed on: 

1. where minor injuries and illnesses should be dealt with
2. proposals around introduction of an urgent care phone number
3. What information people need about the urgent care services that are available and in what format should the information be given 

Walk-In Centres

There are several different definitions of what urgent care is. In the NHS North of Tyne, it has been defined as: 

The Strategic Health Authority and NHS North of Tyne QIPP list of initiatives, linked with the NHS North of Tyne Strategy document outlines our intentions in relation to urgent care services. 

We will:

The Urgent Care Strategy, "A New Direction of Travel for Urgent Healthcare in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland 2008-2013" outlined those areas which are perceived gaps in services. 

Awareness about which services are available, when they can be accessed and for what condition or illness is key to ensuring that the population of Newcastle receives the right urgent care in the right place at the right time. 

Reforming Emergency Care (2001) provided the blueprint for the major overhaul of emergency services.

Taking Healthcare to the Patient - Transforming Ambulance Services (2005) detailed the five year strategic direction for ambulance services. 

Our Health, Our Care, Our Say (2006) set out the then Government's vision of more effective health and social care services outside hospitals, itdentifying 5 key areas for change. 

There are several targets relating to urgent care provision which we collate and monitor in NHS North of Tyne to ensure that the services we commission are appropriate for our patients and residents. 

There is a national target aiming to reduce the wait for patients at A&E to a maximum of 4 hours. This target has generally been met by the acute hospital Trusts in our area.