At Bluebird Care Medway, we understand how important it is to access the right support at the right time. Whether you’re caring for someone recently discharged from hospital, managing an unexpected illness at home, or simply unsure where to turn, it’s much easier when you know what’s available locally.

That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to essential services in the Medway area — covering urgent care, rapid response teams, pharmacies, and post-hospital support. These local services work alongside our home care to help you and your family stay safe, supported and well-informed.

🚨 Medway Rapid Response & Urgent Community Response at Home

The Medway Community Healthcare Urgent Community Response (UCR) team provides rapid, short-term support at home (or in a care/residential setting) to help people avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

This multidisciplinary team — including nurses, therapists, and occupational therapists — can step in quickly when someone becomes unwell at home or has just been discharged and needs bridging support while longer-term arrangements are made.

Referral: Ask your GP, hospital discharge coordinator, or community nurse for a referral.

🏥 Medway Maritime Hospital – Urgent Treatment & Walk-In Care

For health issues that are urgent but not life-threatening, the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham (ME7 5NY), is a key local service.

It provides walk-in treatment for minor illnesses and injuries such as sprains, infections, burns, and rashes — without the need for an appointment. It’s an ideal alternative to A&E for non-emergency issues.

Opening hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily (including weekends and bank holidays)
Advice line: Call NHS 111 for guidance before visiting

🩺 GP Walk-In and Out-of-Hours Care

When your GP surgery is closed (evenings, weekends, and bank holidays), Medway on Call Care (MedOCC) provides out-of-hours medical support for urgent but non-emergency concerns.

This service can help with conditions such as infections, minor injuries, or flare-ups of long-term illnesses. MedOCC also acts as a link to district nurses and rapid response teams when needed.

Access: Call NHS 111 and you will be directed to MedOCC if appropriate.

💊 Local Pharmacies & NHS Pharmacy First

Your community pharmacist is often the quickest and easiest way to get help. Many Medway pharmacies are part of the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, allowing trained pharmacists to diagnose and treat common conditions such as:

• Ear infections

• Urinary tract infections (in women)

• Impetigo

• Sinusitis

• Shingles

• Sore throats

They can also provide blood pressure checks, emergency contraception, travel vaccines, and free health advice.

💙 We’re Here to Support You

At Bluebird Care Medway, we’re proud to work alongside local health and care services to support our community. Whether you’re exploring care options, supporting a loved one after hospital discharge, or simply looking for advice, we’re here to help you make sense of what’s available.

Our care team can provide:

• Short-term support after hospital discharge

• Ongoing home care for older adults or those with disabilities

• Specialist dementia and mental health care

• Liaison with GPs, district nurses, and NHS community teams

If you’d like to talk through your options or find out more about local support, please get in touch — we’re always happy to help.