The South Eastern Trust will introduce an optional Phone First Service at the Ulster Hospital Consultant led Minor Injury Unit from Tuesday 9 January 2024. The walk-in service for patients wishing to attend the Minor Injury Unit, without phoning first, will also continue as normal.
The decision follows the success of the Trust’s Phone First only service, which has been operating in the Urgent Care Centres at the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick since 2020 and the Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn since 2021.
From Tuesday 9 January, patients requiring medical treatment at the Ulster Hospital for a minor injury can walk in or phone first by calling: 028 9151 0110
Patients who phone first will be triaged over the phone and advised on the appropriate next steps. They may be given an appointment at the Ulster Hospital Minor Injury Unit.
This will help ensure that patients receive the right treatment in the right place, first time.
This does not affect patients who are experiencing potentially life-threatening illness or injury. They should call 999 or attend the Emergency Department for urgent medical attention.
The Director of Unscheduled Care, Medicine & Cancer Services, Marc Neil explained, “The Trust has already implemented a Phone First Service only in both the Lagan Valley and Downe Hospitals which have proved very successful.
“The Phone First service at the Ulster Hospital Minor Injury Unit will complement the walk-in facility we already provide at the Consultant led Minor Injury Unit at the Ulster Hospital site.
“This enhanced service will help patients who would prefer to book an appointment before attending the Minor Injury Unit.”
The Phone First service will operate 8am-6pm Monday to Friday.
The Consultant led Minor Injury Unit at the Ulster Hospital continues to open 8am-6pm 7 days per week, excluding Bank Holidays.
The Phone First only service currently in place at the Urgent Care Centres at the Downe and Lagan Valley hospitals remains unchanged.