About NHSquicker

DIGITAL URGENT CARE DECISION SUPPORT

Helping people choose the right NHS service, faster

NHSquicker is a free app providing real-time waiting time, travel time and service availability information for NHS urgent-care services across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

It supports informed decision-making for urgent but non-life-threatening care, helping patients find the most appropriate service while reducing unnecessary pressure on A&E.

Why the app was developed

A&E services across England have faced increasing pressure, with many departments struggling to meet the national four-hour standard. Research conducted by the University of Exeter in collaboration with NHS partners found that while MIUs and UTCs often met waiting time targets, A&E departments were underperforming due to high demand.

NHSquicker was developed in response to this challenge, using existing NHS data to help patients identify suitable alternatives with shorter waits, reduce overcrowding, and support the wider urgent-care network.

Choose Right Service
For urgent, non-life-threatening care

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Reduce Overcrowding
By choosing the right service for you

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Support urgent-care network
Across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset

Who the app is for

For the public

• People with urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns who need to find appropriate care quickly

For the NHS

• NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)

• Urgent and emergency care services seeking to better distribute patient demand

Who developed it

NHSquicker was designed by the Health & Care IMPACT Network, a collaboration between NHS trusts across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset and the University of Exeter Business School.

The platform has evolved through close collaboration with NHS analysts, clinicians, operational researchers and digital transformation teams, ensuring it meets real-world service needs.

The problem it solves

High attendance at A&E departments for non-emergency conditions leads to long waiting times, overcrowding, and poorer experiences for patients. Many people could be safely treated at MIUs or UTCs but lack awareness of nearby alternatives.

NHSquicker addresses this by providing real-time, practical information that helps people go to the right place, at the right time, reducing avoidable A&E attendances and supporting more efficient use of NHS resources.