Urgent Care Clinic at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
The Urgent Care Clinic at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is a private urgent care service providing rapid assessment, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of minor illnesses, injuries and urgent medical conditions in adults and children.
Conveniently located in St John’s Wood, North West London, our experienced clinical team provides same-day private medical care without the need for a GP referral.
Patients attend the clinic for many reasons, including minor injuries, suspected fractures, sprains, strains, sports injuries, cuts, burns, minor head injuries, infections, urinary symptoms, fever, ear infections, sore throats and other urgent health concerns.
Our service is designed for patients who need prompt medical attention but do not require an NHS Accident & Emergency department.
Private Urgent Care in London
The Urgent Care Clinic provides fast access to private urgent medical care for patients who require prompt assessment and treatment.
Patients can self-refer and be seen by experienced clinicians for a wide range of urgent medical conditions and injuries. No GP referral is required.
Whether you live locally, work in Central London, are visiting the capital or are travelling internationally, our private urgent care service provides convenient access to expert medical assessment and treatment.
Patients may choose to self-pay or use eligible private medical insurance, depending on their individual policy arrangements.
Why Choose the Urgent Care Clinic?
Patients choose our Urgent Care Clinic because they want timely access to experienced healthcare professionals in a calm, private hospital setting.
As part of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, patients benefit from access to hospital facilities, diagnostic services and specialist expertise where appropriate.
Our clinicians are experienced in assessing and treating a broad range of urgent conditions, helping patients receive the right care without unnecessary delay.
Every visit is focused on safe assessment, clear communication and a practical treatment plan.
Conditions We Treat
The Urgent Care Clinic treats many minor illnesses and injuries that require prompt medical attention but are not life-threatening emergencies.
Minor Injuries
We assess and treat minor injuries including sprains, strains, bruising, soft tissue injuries, minor fractures, sports injuries, cuts, wounds, minor burns and minor head injuries.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are common after falls, sport or sudden twisting injuries. Our clinicians can assess the injury, provide pain relief advice, arrange imaging where appropriate and recommend support, rest or follow-up treatment.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries may involve muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints or bones. We can assess many acute sports injuries and advise on treatment, recovery and onward referral if specialist review is needed.
Suspected Fractures
If you have pain, swelling, bruising or difficulty using a limb after an injury, you may need assessment for a possible fracture. Our team can assess suspected fractures and arrange appropriate treatment or onward care.
Cuts and Lacerations
The clinic regularly treats cuts, lacerations and wounds that require medical attention. Depending on the injury, treatment may include cleaning, dressing, wound glue, Steri-Strips or other suitable wound closure techniques.
Burns and Scalds
We assess and treat many minor burns and scalds, including injuries sustained at home, at work or during everyday activities. Treatment may include dressing care, pain relief advice, follow-up recommendations and guidance on reducing the risk of infection.
Minor Head Injuries
Minor head injuries are a common reason for attending urgent care. Our clinicians assess both adults and children and provide clear advice on symptoms that may require urgent medical review.
Infections
We assess and treat a range of common infections, including sore throats, tonsillitis, ear infections, chest infections, urinary tract infections and selected skin infections.
Ear Infections
Ear pain, blocked ears, discharge, fever or hearing changes may be caused by an ear infection. Our clinicians can assess symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
Sore Throats and Tonsillitis
Patients commonly attend with sore throats, swollen tonsils, fever, painful swallowing or concerns about infection. We can assess the cause and advise on treatment, including antibiotics where clinically appropriate.
Urinary Tract Infections
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include pain when passing urine, urinary frequency, urgency, lower abdominal discomfort or blood in the urine. Our clinicians can assess symptoms, arrange urine testing where needed and prescribe treatment if appropriate.
Chest Infections
Patients with cough, fever, chest discomfort or worsening respiratory symptoms can be assessed by our clinical team. If symptoms suggest a more serious illness, onward referral may be recommended.
General Medical Conditions
Patients attend with a variety of urgent medical concerns, including abdominal pain, kidney stone symptoms, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness and other sudden symptoms that require prompt assessment.
Children’s Urgent Care
The Urgent Care Clinic provides private urgent care for children as well as adults.
Parents often seek urgent medical advice when a child develops a high temperature, suffers a minor injury, has a painful ear, develops a sore throat or appears unwell.
Our clinicians assess many common childhood illnesses and injuries, including fever, minor burns, minor head injuries, cuts, sprains, strains, ear infections and throat infections.
Following assessment, parents receive clear guidance on treatment, recovery and symptoms that should prompt further medical review.
High Temperatures in Children
A high temperature in a child is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Many children recover with fluids, rest and appropriate medicine, but some symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
Our clinicians can assess your child, review their symptoms, advise on treatment and help determine whether further care is required.
Children’s Head Injuries
Children with minor head injuries can be assessed in the clinic. Parents and carers will be given clear advice on what to monitor at home and when to seek emergency help.
Children’s Cuts, Burns and Injuries
We assess and treat many minor injuries in children, including cuts, minor burns, sprains and soft tissue injuries. Treatment is provided with a focus on comfort, safety and clear advice for parents.
What Happens During Your Visit?
Our patient pathway is designed to ensure patients receive efficient, safe and appropriate care.
Registration
When you arrive, you will complete registration details and provide relevant medical information.
Check-in
Our reception team will confirm your details and ensure you are booked into the clinic.
Triage
A nurse will assess your symptoms, take observations where required and determine the urgency of your condition.
Medical Assessment
You will be reviewed by a doctor or appropriate clinician, who will take a detailed history, examine you and discuss the next steps.
Investigations
If required, investigations may be arranged to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
Treatment
Treatment may include medication, wound care, dressings, fracture support, burn care, pain management, infection treatment or onward referral.
Discharge and Follow-up
Before leaving, you will receive advice about your condition, treatment plan, follow-up arrangements and when to seek further medical attention.
Investigations Available
Depending on your symptoms and clinical needs, investigations may include blood tests, urine testing, electrocardiograms, clinical observations and access to imaging where appropriate.
ECG Testing
An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, records the electrical activity of the heart. It may be used when patients present with chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or other symptoms that require cardiac assessment.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be arranged where clinically appropriate to help assess infection, inflammation, dehydration or other medical concerns.
Urine Testing
Urine testing can help assess symptoms such as pain when passing urine, urinary frequency, abdominal pain or suspected urinary tract infection.
Imaging
Where clinically appropriate, patients may be referred for imaging to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
Treatments Available
The Urgent Care Clinic provides a range of treatments designed to manage urgent illnesses and injuries safely and effectively.
Wound Glue
Some wounds can be treated using medical skin adhesive. This works like an artificial scab and helps protect the wound while it heals.
Patients are usually advised to keep the wound dry for several days, avoid picking at the glue and seek medical advice if the wound becomes red, warm, swollen, painful or starts to discharge.
Steri-Strips
Steri-Strips, sometimes called butterfly stitches, may be used to hold the edges of a wound together while it heals.
Patients are given advice on keeping the area dry, avoiding excessive movement and watching for signs of infection.
Dressings
Dressings may be used for wounds, burns and other injuries. Our clinicians will explain how to care for the dressing and when it should be reviewed or changed.
Burn Care
Minor burns may be treated with appropriate dressings, pain relief advice and follow-up guidance. Patients are also advised on symptoms that could suggest infection or delayed healing.
Plaster Casts and Splints
Some injuries may require a plaster cast, splint or support. Patients receive clear advice on keeping the cast dry, reducing swelling and seeking help if pain, numbness, tingling or colour changes occur.
Medication
Our clinicians can prescribe medication when clinically appropriate, including antibiotics, pain relief and other treatments.
Chest Pain Assessment
Chest pain should always be taken seriously.
Patients presenting to the Urgent Care Clinic with symptoms suggestive of a cardiac cause are prioritised for urgent assessment, including an ECG and doctor review.
If a serious cardiac condition is suspected, the clinic will arrange urgent transfer to the most appropriate NHS Emergency Department for definitive treatment.
This pathway helps ensure patients receive timely assessment while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety.
When Should You Attend A&E Instead?
The Urgent Care Clinic is not an Accident & Emergency department and is not designed to provide ongoing care for critically unwell patients.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, you should call 999 or attend your nearest NHS Emergency Department immediately.
Examples include suspected heart attack, stroke, severe breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, major trauma, severe allergic reactions, poisoning, overdose, severe bleeding and serious road traffic accidents.
If a patient presents to our clinic with a condition that requires emergency care, our team will arrange urgent transfer to the most appropriate NHS Emergency Department.
Private Urgent Care, GP, NHS 111 or A&E?
Choosing the right healthcare service can be difficult, especially when symptoms develop suddenly.
When to Use Private Urgent Care
Private urgent care may be suitable when you need prompt assessment for a minor illness or injury, cannot wait for a GP appointment or want same-day access to medical care in a private hospital setting.
When to Contact a GP
A GP is usually appropriate for ongoing health concerns, routine medication reviews, chronic condition management and non-urgent symptoms.
When to Use NHS 111
NHS 111 can provide advice when you are unsure what service you need or require guidance outside normal GP hours.
When to call 999
If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency please call 999 immediately.
Follow-up Care
Some patients require follow-up after their urgent care visit, particularly after burns, fractures, wounds, head injuries or infections.
Our clinicians will explain whether you need follow-up, who should provide it and what symptoms to monitor after you leave the clinic.
Where appropriate, we can refer patients to specialist consultants within St John & St Elizabeth Hospital for further assessment or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Urgent Care Clinic?
An Urgent Care Clinic provides treatment for illnesses and injuries that require prompt medical attention but are not life-threatening emergencies.
Is this a private urgent care service?
Yes. The Urgent Care Clinic at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is a private urgent care service for self-pay and eligible insured patients.
What is the difference between an Urgent Care Clinic and A&E?
An Urgent Care Clinic treats minor illnesses and injuries requiring same-day medical attention. A&E departments manage serious, life-threatening and complex emergencies.
Can I walk into the Urgent Care Clinic without an appointment?
Yes. Patients can attend without a GP referral.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. Patients can self-refer and attend directly.
Can I be seen on the same day?
Yes. The clinic is designed to provide rapid same-day assessment and treatment for urgent medical concerns.
Do you treat children?
Yes. The clinic provides assessment and treatment for both adults and children.
What childhood conditions do you commonly see?
Common childhood presentations include high temperatures, sore throats, ear infections, minor injuries, burns, cuts and minor head injuries.
Can you assess a child with a fever?
Yes. Our clinicians can assess children with high temperatures and advise whether treatment, observation or further referral is required.
Can you treat fractures?
Many suspected and confirmed minor fractures can be assessed and managed within the Urgent Care Clinic.
Can you treat sports injuries?
Yes. Sprains, strains, ligament injuries and other sports-related injuries are commonly assessed and treated.
Can you treat cuts and lacerations?
Yes. Our clinicians regularly assess and treat cuts, wounds and lacerations.
Can you use skin glue instead of stitches?
Some wounds can be safely treated using medical skin adhesive. The most appropriate closure method depends on the location, depth and nature of the wound.
Can you use Steri-Strips?
Yes. Steri-Strips may be used for suitable wounds where the edges need to be supported while healing.
Can you treat burns?
Yes. The clinic can assess and treat many minor burns and provide advice on dressing care, healing and scar management.
Can you assess head injuries?
Yes. Both adults and children with minor head injuries can be assessed and provided with appropriate advice and safety-netting information.
Can you treat ear infections?
Yes. Ear infections are among the common conditions assessed and treated by our clinical team.
Can you treat tonsillitis and sore throats?
Yes. We assess sore throats, tonsillitis and related infections and provide treatment where appropriate.
Can you treat urinary tract infections?
Yes. Urinary tract infections can often be assessed and treated during your visit.
Can you prescribe antibiotics?
Yes. Antibiotics can be prescribed when clinically appropriate following assessment.
Can you prescribe pain relief?
Yes. Pain management forms an important part of many treatment plans.
Can you perform ECGs?
Yes. ECGs are available for patients where clinically indicated.
Can you assess chest pain?
Yes. Patients presenting with chest pain can receive rapid assessment and an ECG. If there is concern about a serious cardiac condition, urgent transfer to an NHS Emergency Department will be arranged.
What happens if my condition is more serious than expected?
If our clinicians identify a serious condition requiring emergency care or specialist treatment, we will arrange referral or transfer to the most appropriate healthcare facility.
What conditions should not be treated in an Urgent Care Clinic?
Life-threatening conditions such as suspected heart attacks, strokes, severe breathing difficulties, major trauma and severe allergic reactions should be treated in an NHS Emergency Department.
Is private urgent care quicker than A&E?
Many patients choose private urgent care because it can provide faster access to assessment and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. Waiting times vary depending on demand and case complexity.
Can you refer me to a specialist?
Yes. If specialist assessment is required, our clinicians can facilitate referral to an appropriate consultant within St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
Can you arrange hospital treatment?
Where appropriate, our clinicians can arrange onward referral for further investigations, specialist assessment or hospital treatment.
Do I need private medical insurance?
No. Patients can attend on a self-pay basis as well as through eligible private medical insurance.
Can I use private medical insurance for urgent care?
Many patients use private medical insurance to access urgent care services. We recommend checking with your insurer regarding your individual level of cover.
Can international visitors use the clinic?
Yes. International patients and visitors to London are welcome to attend the Urgent Care Clinic.
Can tourists use the clinic?
Yes. Many visitors choose the clinic for prompt access to private medical care while in London.
Can I attend if I do not have a GP?
Yes. You do not need to be registered with a GP to attend the clinic.
Can elderly patients attend the Urgent Care Clinic?
Yes. The clinic provides urgent medical assessment and treatment for adults of all ages.
What should I bring to my urgent care appointment?
Please bring photo identification, details of any medications you are taking, information about your medical history and details of your private medical insurance if applicable.
What happens after I am discharged?
You will receive advice about ongoing care, follow-up arrangements and guidance on when to seek further medical attention if required.
Can you provide medical letters?
Where clinically appropriate, documentation can be provided relating to your attendance and treatment.
Can the clinic arrange follow-up appointments?
Yes. Where appropriate, patients may be referred for follow-up care, additional investigations or specialist consultant review.
Where is the Urgent Care Clinic located?
The clinic is located within St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in St John’s Wood, North West London.
What are your opening hours?
Please check our website or contact the clinic directly for the latest opening hours and attendance information.
Is parking available?
Parking options are available locally. Please check current arrangements before travelling.
Can I be transferred to an NHS hospital if necessary?
Yes. If emergency care is required, our team will arrange urgent transfer to the most appropriate NHS Emergency Department.
Is the Urgent Care Clinic part of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital?
Yes. The Urgent Care Clinic forms part of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, one of London’s leading private hospitals.