Maggie Magowan, interim clinical manager for unscheduled care at South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust (left) with Roisin Coulter, trust chief executive and Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, and Jonathan Patton, trust chairman

Northern Ireland Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has officially opened the new urgent care centre (UCC) at the Ulster Hospital.

The facility, which is open seven days a week from 8.00am-6.00pm,is designed to separate and treat non-critical cases from those that need to attend the emergency department.

Welcoming the expansion, Nesbitt said: “The new 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.

“Through its integration with the emergency department (ED), it will also improve patient flow, reduce ED pressures, and optimise care.

“It will not only enhance, but will significantly improve, the patient 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.

“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, which highlighted the need to better integrate care in trusts, which this investment delivers.”

The centre operates a walk-in service which is open to patients seven days a week without prior appointment.

However, from Monday to Friday patients can make an appointment, if required for a minor injury by using the Phone First service between the hours of 8.00am-5.00pm.

Chief executive of the South Eastern Trust, Roisin Coulter, said:  “This facility is a key part of our commitment to delivering safe, timely, and effective care for patients.”

The opening of the UCC follows the transfer of minor injuries from the Bangor and Ards hospitals and the opening of a new emergency department at the Ulster Hospital in 2023.

It delivers on the Government’s strategy for improving unscheduled care and completes the new build Acute Services Block.

Dr Andrew Dobbin, clinical director for unscheduled care and Maggie Magowan, interim clinical manager for unscheduled care at South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust