Urgent Care Centres: an A&E alternative
When facing medical issues, people often debate between visiting an Accident & Emergency (A&E) department, a General Practitioner (GP), or a 24-hour clinic. Knowing which healthcare centre to visit can save you time and ensure that you receive appropriate care.
Many people tend to rush to the A&E for issues that are not life-threatening, resulting in longer waiting times that can go up to 6 hours. Urgent Care Centres (UCCs) are excellent alternatives for A&Es.
What are Urgent Care Centres?
Urgent Care Centres (UCCs) are medical facilities that provide prompt care for conditions that require early attention but are not life-threatening. They serve as an intermediate option between A&Es and regular GP or 24-hour clinic visits. UCCs can treat a wide range of conditions and offer various services, often with shorter waiting times than A&E departments.
How do UCCs and A&Es compare to GPs and 24-hour clinics?
Understanding the differences between urgent and emergency care, as well as the roles of GPs and 24-hour clinics, can help you make more informed decisions on where to seek medical attention.
Urgent vs Emergency Care
Urgent Care (UCCs): For non-life-threatening conditions that still need prompt attention. Go to UCCs for minor fractures, minor burns, infections, and non-severe/mild to moderate asthma attacks. UCCs come equipped with diagnostic tools like X-rays and basic labs, offering timely and comprehensive care.
Emergency Care (A&Es): For life-threatening conditions that need immediate medical intervention. Go to the A&E for severe chest pain, stroke symptoms, major trauma, severe difficulty breathing, severe asthma and uncontrolled bleeding. A&Es are fully equipped to handle critical emergencies. However, they often have longer waiting times for non-severe cases.
Comparing A&E, UCC, GP, and 24-hour clinics
| Healthcare centres | Equipment | When to go |
|---|---|---|
A&E | Fully equipped | Severe burns, severe chest pain, head injuries, seizures, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, severe asthma, uncontrolled bleeding, compound fracture, major trauma |
UCC | Equipped with X-rays and labs, comprehensive care options | Cuts and minor burns, skin conditions, upper respiratory infection, bronchitis, allergies, earache, mild to moderate asthma attacks |
24-hour Clinic | Limited equipment, no X-rays or labs | Routine check-ups, minor illnesses or injuries, minor infections, vaccinations, general health concerns |
GP | Limited to routine medical equipment |
Please note that the above are examples of commonly seen conditions and non-exhaustive. It is advisable to check with the centre that you intend to visit, to seek the appropriate care for your needs.
What to bring to Urgent Care Centres
Identification documents: Identity Card (for Singaporeans & Permanent Residents) / Birth Certificate (for patients below 12 years old) / Passport (for foreigners)
Letter of Guarantee from your company/insurance company
Any relevant medical documents or referral letters
FAQ
What is done in Urgent Care Centres?
At a UCC, patients receive prompt attention for non-life-threatening conditions. Services may include diagnostics (e.g., X-rays, lab tests), treatments (e.g., wound care, minor fracture management), and referrals to specialists if necessary.
When should I visit the A&E?
You should visit the A&E for life-threatening emergencies such as severe chest pain, stroke symptoms, major trauma, severe difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, and uncontrolled bleeding.
Can I visit the A&E for non-emergencies?
While you can visit the A&E for non-emergency situations, it is advisable to visit a UCC or GP for non-life-threatening conditions to avoid longer waiting times and ensure A&E resources are available for true emergencies.
By understanding the roles of A&E departments, GPs, 24-hour clinics, and UCCs, patients can make informed decisions about where to seek care, ensuring timely and appropriate medical attention.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson 24-Hour Urgent Care Centre (Novena)
Call: 6350 8812
Request an Appointment