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Choose the right healthcare service - guidance to help you be seen more quickly

21 July 2025

Communities across Coventry and Warwickshire are being advised that demand on NHS services is extremely high. As a result, UHCW NHS Trust is urging patients to use services appropriately, while still seeking care if they need it.

Patients can help reduce demand and ensure care is available to those who need it by using the right service for their needs. For non-life-threatening requirements, patients are advised to first contact 111 online, and to only use 999 for life-threatening emergencies.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week - online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111, and should be the first port of call if you need urgent medical advice but it’s not an emergency.

The service can:

  • Help you find the right care quickly
  • Connect you with a clinician, such as a nurse or GP
  • Book you an appointment if needed, including at out-of-hours services
  • Direct you to your nearest pharmacy, GP, or Urgent Treatment Centre

By planning ahead and choosing the right service, you can avoid waits and help keep our Emergency Department free for people who need it the most.

Pharmacists are here to help

Local pharmacies are a convenient option for a range of minor health concerns including coughs, colds, insect bites, rashes, sore throats and stomach upsets. Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer expert advice, reassurance and treatment. Many have private consultation rooms and you don’t need an appointment.

Choose the Urgent Treatment Centre for minor injuries and illnesses

The Coventry Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), located on the first floor inside the City of Coventry NHS Healthcare Centre, and the Rugby UTC at the Hospital of St Cross provide urgent care services to patients daily. Injuries and illnesses that can be treated include small wounds, vomiting and diarrhoea including stomach aches, animal bites/stings, minor burns and strains, skin conditions, ear and throat infections, hay fever, wound dressing care and the removal of stitches.

Our Emergency Department is for life-threatening emergencies

We are always here if you need emergency care - such as for chest pain, breathing difficulties, signs of stroke, serious injuries, or if someone is unconscious. In these cases, you should always call 999 or attend our Emergency Department.

But for everything else, using the right service, whether that’s NHS 111, a pharmacist, or your GP, means you’ll be seen more quickly, and helps to keep hospitals and ambulance services available for those with the greatest need.


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We are pleased to invite applications from experienced Band 5 Registered Nurses to join our dedicated Community Nursing Team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking service delivering high-quality care to people across our local communities.

As a Community Nurse, you will play a vital role in supporting patients to remain safe, independent, and well within their own homes. You will work within a compassionate and highly skilled multidisciplinary team, helping to shape the future of community healthcare and improve patient outcomes.

This position offers a varied and rewarding experience, with care delivered across both patients’ homes and community clinic settings. You will be entrusted with managing your own caseload and delivering personalised, evidence-based care that meets the individual needs of each patient.

You’ll be supported by a collaborative team environment that values professional development, autonomy, and high standards of patient care.

The key responsibilities within this role are:

  • Delivering high-quality, evidence-based nursing care in community settings
  • Supporting patients to maintain independence, safety, and wellbeing at home
  • Managing your own caseload, ensuring effective care planning and delivery
  • Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure seamless care
  • Providing person-centred care that promotes recovery and independence
  • Building strong, trusting relationships with patients and their carers
  • Empowering individuals through education, support, and compassionate communication
  • Contributing to the continuous improvement of community healthcare services

Why Join Our Community Nursing Team?

Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive and dynamic workforce committed to delivering exceptional care. We are passionate about:

  • Enhancing patient experience and outcomes
  • Supporting staff development and career progression
  • Promoting teamwork, respect, and inclusivity
  • Driving innovation within community healthcare services

This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing your career in a rewarding and community-focused environment.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click here to apply.

For more information about this role, please contact Claire Lloyd, Lead Nurse for Recruitment: claire.lloyd@uhcw.nhs.uk

 

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