The NHS is introducing a new Minor Illness and Injury Service for Rutland from 1 April 2026, making it easier for local people to get help quickly for urgent but non-life‑threatening health problems.
The new service, run by DHU Healthcare, will be based at Rutland Memorial Hospital in Oakham and will offer timely assessment and treatment from 1pm–9pm, seven days a week. It will be available to people registered with GP practices in Rutland and Leicestershire.
Patients will continue to be booked into the right service for their needs by contacting their GP practice or NHS 111.
What the new service offers
The service will be staffed by an advanced clinical practitioner, supported by a GP. It will provide:
- Booked appointments for minor illnesses following contact with a GP practice or NHS 111
- Walk‑in access for minor injuries
- Improved access to X‑rays, with extended availability aligned to service hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (11am–7pm)
This new service replaces the existing Oakham Urgent Care Centre and Oakham Minor Injury Unit, which will close on 31 March 2026, following a public consultation held in early 2025.
What this means for local people
The changes are designed to help ensure Rutland residents receive the right care, in the right place, first time — reducing unnecessary travel and wait times at walk‑in sites that may not offer the most appropriate support.
Dr Nil Sanganee, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board, said:“This new service will make it easier for people in Rutland to get the care they need quickly, close to home and at convenient times. By booking through your GP practice or NHS 111, you will be directed to the right service first time, without the uncertainty of walking into a service that may not be the best match for your needs.”
Adele Peck, Head of Clinical Services for DHU Healthcare, said:“We are proud to deliver the new Minor Illness and Injury Service for Rutland. Our clinicians will provide high‑quality, responsive care for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. The extended X‑ray availability will support fast, accurate diagnosis for patients who need it.”
Getting the right care
These improvements support the NHS’s two‑step approach to getting the right help for an immediate health concern:
- Try self‑care first using:
- the NHS App
- NHS 111 online
- a local pharmacy.
- If it’s more serious, contact your GP practice or NHS 111.
More information is available at:https://leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/find-the-right-service/need-help-fast-rutland/