Our services at Pontefract
The purpose-built Pontefract Hospital opened in 2011. It focuses on the provision of urgent care as well as elective, diagnostics and rehabilitation services.
Our services at Pontefract
Pontefract Hospital is a modern, purpose-built facility located on the site of the former Pontefract General Infirmary. It offers a wide range of services, including urgent care, planned surgery, diagnostics and rehabilitation, all within a welcoming and easy-to-navigate environment.
The hospital provides care to a large number of patients each year across its urgent care, surgical, outpatient and therapy services. It is one of the Trust’s main centres for planned treatment, delivering surgery across a variety of specialties, including cancer care, plastic surgery and colorectal surgery.
The Elective Orthopaedic Suite is dedicated to planned orthopaedic procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, as well as foot and ankle surgery.
A range of diagnostic services are available on site, including MRI and CT scanning. The Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute supports patients with physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry to aid recovery and promote independence.
The hospital also features a Kidney Dialysis Unit, run by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, helping patients access treatment closer to home. GP out-of-hours services and evening and weekend appointments are available through local providers.
Pontefract Hospital is also home to the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), which is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The UTC is staffed by experienced GPs and highly skilled nurses who treat a range of minor illnesses and injuries. Patients can also be referred to the UTC via NHS 111, helping them access the right care as quickly as possible. Further information about the UTC is available below.
Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC)
The Pontefract Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can attend for urgent health problems that are not life-threatening.
What we treat
We can help with a range of minor injuries and illnesses, including:
Minor injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Suspected broken bones (minor fractures)
- Minor head injuries (without loss of consciousness)
- Cuts, grazes and wounds (including those needing stitches or dressings)
- Minor burns and scalds
- Animal or insect bites and stings
- Minor eye injuries or something in the eye
Minor illnesses (not long-term conditions)
- Suspected infections (such as chest, ear, throat, eye or urinary infections)
- Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Skin conditions, including infections and rashes
- Fever (high temperature) in adults and children
- Coughs and colds (without chest pain or shortness of breath)
- Nasal congestion and sinusitis
- Sore throat (without difficulty swallowing or voice changes)
- Earache (without hearing loss)
- Back pain
- Insect bites
- Blanching rashes
- Skin lumps
- Pain when passing urine (without significant abdominal pain)
- Blood in urine (if under 50, able to pass urine, and not using a catheter)
- Breast lumps
- Constipation (if under 65 and without vomiting)
- Dental problems
- Emergency contraception
- Prescription requests
Appointments via NHS 111
For some minor illnesses, you may be offered a booked appointment at the UTC through NHS 111 (online or by phone).
Conditions that may be suitable for a booked appointment include:
- Coughs and colds
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Sinus problems
- Skin rashes and lumps
- Insect bites
- Pain when passing urine
- Blood in urine (if eligible)
- Breast lumps
- Constipation (if eligible)
- Dental problems
Prescription requests (self-care and Pharmacy First)
Many common conditions can be treated quickly and easily at your local pharmacy without needing a GP appointment.
Pharmacists can provide advice and treatment for:
- Coughs, colds and sore throats
- Earache and sinusitis
- Skin infections and rashes
- Insect bites
- Urinary tract infections (in some patients)
They can also supply some medicines without a prescription. This is often the quickest way to get help.
Find out more information around Pharmacy care.
Other local services
King Street Walk-in Centre (Wakefield)
Address: 47 King Street, Wakefield, WF1 2SY
Opening hours: 10:00am to 10:00pm, every day
King Street treats minor illnesses and injuries, no appointment is needed, just walk straight in.
GP out of hours service (Wakefield District)
For out-of-hours GP care in Wakefield, first call your regular GP surgery. If they are closed, your call will automatically divert to GP Care Wakefield. Alternatively, call 111 or use NHS 111 Online for medical assessment and direction to the most appropriate local service.
Opening times for GP out of hours service are:
- Monday to Friday: 5:00pm – 9:30pm
- Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sunday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
- Bank holidays: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Appointments may take place at:
Trinity Medical Centre
Northgate Surgery
Other local GP practices
When to go to A&E
Call 999 or go to A&E for life-threatening emergencies, such as:
- Chest pain
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Severe bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
If you’re not sure where to go, contact NHS 111 for advice.