Patients in Kent and Medway are now able to use an app to view waiting times at our urgent treatment centres (UTCs) and minor injury units (MIUs).
The WaitLess app will help patients who have decided to go to a UTC or MIU make an informed choice about which site to visit.
It displays the number of people waiting and the longest waiting times, along with travel information, so patients can decide to visit a site that is not so busy.
Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Kent and Medway, said: “I would always advise patients to contact NHS 111 first if they are not sure where to go or what service they need.
"NHS 111 will continue to offer booked appointments at our urgent treatment centres, where needed.
“However, we know some people decide to go straight to our UTCs without contacting NHS 111 first and this app will help them find UTCs that are not as busy, where the wait is potentially less.
“Kent and Medway has more than a dozen UTCs and MIUs. By checking the waiting times before they travel, patients can choose which one they go to when they have an urgent medical issue.”
The app is available free from iPhone App Store and Google Play Store – search WaitLess.
More information about using the right health service is available at www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk. The site also includes a map of all pharmacies in the county. Pharmacists are trained professionals who can help with a wide range of common health issues.