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UTC: Frequently Asked Questions

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Jie
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These are some of the most frequently asked questions that Lantum receives from clinicians before working in UTC/UCCs. If there is any more information that you require please contact customersuccess@lantum.com

 

What is the difference between General Practice and UTCs? 

General practice (GP) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) have a lot in common, as they look after patients in their communities, by promoting, preventing and initiating treatment. However, whilst clinicians in General Practice look after patients attached to their practice, UTCs receive walk-ins, referrals from General Practices and patients booked by NHS 111, with a range of opening times, some can open for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, others are open 24/7. 

When working within a UTC setting, you can expect to provide treatment to those with community and primary care problems, plus management of minor illness and injury (including wounds, foreign bodies and head and eye injuries). You would be expected to interpret ECGs, blood results, x-rays and urinalysis, then ensure a standardised approach to guide the patient to the correct level of care and treatment. Please click here for some conditions that can be treated in UTCs. 

 

What are the main duties of the job?

The skills you need to work in UTCs are very similar to those you need in General Practice (depending on the UTC you work with). Some UTCs may require extra training or skills - a good way to find out which practices need this would be messaging the practice directly. 

Some of the main duties can be found below:

  • To act as an autonomous clinician, providing clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment (where appropriate), for patients that attend the UTC - either walk-in patients or those referred from other stakeholders such as the NHS 111.
  • Accurately triage and prioritise patients to elicit the history of an event or illness, including past medical and drug history.
  • Evaluate clinical information from history and examination and initiate appropriate treatment, referral or discharge.
  • Refer patients to appropriate care settings, where necessary.
  • Discharge or treat, within scope of practice, as appropriate.
  • Prescribe, supply and/or administer medication and treatments according to agreed protocols, within scope of competence.
  • To maintain accurate, contemporaneous computerised clinical records of every contact, including history, examination, diagnosis, plan of care, advice given, treatment and recommended follow up - This includes documenting any adverse event, safeguarding child or vulnerable adult issue or other notifiable matter.
  • To be aware of and work within the performance framework for the UTC service (key performance indicators set by the CCG for this service) Clinical Quality Commission and the National Quality
  • Potential OOH requirements.
  • To refer to other health and social care professionals and providers, as appropriate.
  • To be flexible and responsive both to the clinical needs of patients and operational needs of the service.
  • To empower service users to access the service through the most appropriate means and to encourage self-care where clinically appropriate.

 

What are some of the general scopes of practice needed to work in UTC?

The general scope of practice in Urgent Treatment Centres is listed below, however, this can change, subject to the UTC practice you work with. 

  • Minor illness 
  • Wound closure 
  • Removal of minor foreign bodies 
  • Minor head and eye injuries 
  • Viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) 

 

What are the shifts like?

There are a range of shifts available within UTCs from Monday-Sunday, during the day and overnight. Furthermore, clinicians can negotiate hours, but it is up to the UTC practice to approve the amended hours requested. 

The most common shifts include: 

  • 19:00- 23:00 
  • 08:00-13:00
  • 23:00-08:00
  • 18:45-23:00
  • 19:00-22:00
  • 23:00-07:30
  • 16:00-00:00
  • 07:45-14:00
  • 13:00-19:00

 

How long are appointments?

Depending on the UTC practice, most appointment lengths range from 8-15 minutes per patient. Actual appointment time would need to be confirmed with the UTC you are working in. 

 

Would you require medical indemnity?

In April 2019, state-backed GP indemnity schemes were launched in England. This removed the need for GPs to arrange and fund their own clinical negligence cover. All General Practices and their staff providing NHS services will automatically be covered by this scheme. This covers all NHS commissioned work including out-of hours. For more information please click here. 

 

What documentation would you need?

Professional Documentation: 

  • CV 
  • DBS [Enhanced Check] 
  • Passport [Right to work documents if applicable]
  • Clinical References x2
  • Medical Indemnity
  • Certificate of Completion of Training
  • Revalidation Certificate
  • GMC Certificate

Proof of Immunisations:

  • Hep B
  • Diphtheria
  • MMR (Mumps Measles Rubella)
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Tetanus
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • Tuberculosis

Training Certificates: 

  • Basic Life Support Certificate
  • Safeguarding Children Level 3 
  • Safeguarding Adults Level 3
  • Data Security Awareness 
  • Fire Safety Certificate
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Conflict Resolution 
  • Equality, Diversity and Human Rights
  • Preventing Radicalisation
  • Moving and Handling
  • Deprivation of Liberty

 

Useful Links: 

 

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Customer Success

If you require more information about UTCs, please contact customersuccess@lantum.com 

 

Clinical Governance

If you'd like to chat with a member of our Clinical Governance team about your documents, please email clinical.governance@lantum.com 

 

Customer Support

If you ever experience any technical issues or have questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Customer Support team here at Lantum

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