"Not a walk in centre! Still A&E"

Thank you for your comments. Hopefully the following information will clarify the situation. In July 2012 the Tooting Walk-in Centre merged with the A&E department at St George's Hospital to create an integrated Urgent Care Centre, providing care for patients who do not need emergency, life-saving treatment 24 hours a day. The decision to close the Walk-in Centre and open the integrated Urgent Care Centre was made following formal public consultation with patients, staff and health and social care partners. The Urgent Care Centre provides treatment for minor illnesses and injuries like strains, bites, burns, infected wounds or chest infections. You can also get emergency contraception, information about other NHS services and mental health advice. Run in partnership with NHS Wandsworth and local GPs, the centre is staffed by experienced nurses who can assess and treat illnesses and injuries. All of our nurses can supply and administer specific medications, and a large number of the team are qualified to prescribe. This not only means they get the most appropriate treatment - it also means consultants in the emergency department can focus on people with critical or life-threatening conditions. You can use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.