New free app helps people ‘Wait Less’ for urgent care services in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

News - 2 July 2026

The NHS across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has introduced WaitLess, a free smartphone app designed to help people choose the quickest local option for minor injuries and illnesses.
Promotional graphic for the NHS “WaitLess” app on a blue background. A smartphone displays a map with a nearby urgent treatment centre and real-time details including travel time, number of patients waiting, and estimated wait time. Text reads “WaitLess” and “Avoid long wait times when you need urgent care,” with a call to download the app from Google Play or the App Store.

The app displays live waiting times, queue numbers, and travel time information for local urgent care services across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, helping you decide where you may be seen more quickly.

The app includes Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) which treat urgent but non-life-threatening conditions such as infections, minor injuries and illnesses, Minor Injury Units (MIUs) nurse-led services for injuries like cuts, sprains and minor burns, along with local pharmacies in the area as an alternative treatment option.

By combining travel, waiting, and treatment time, WaitLess gives patients a clear picture of how long they may spend at each location. This helps people make informed decisions, so they can be seen more quickly and pressure on Emergency Departments (A&E) is reduced.

The app also displays a full list of services available at each site, plus parking and opening time information.

Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “WaitLess empowers people to make informed choices about where to go for minor injuries and illnesses. By directing patients to the right place for their needs, we can help them be seen more quickly and allow Emergency Departments (A&Es) to focus on those with the most serious conditions.”

The WaitLess app is free to download from The App Store and Google Play; simply search for WaitLess. It is also available online at https://e-waitless.com/

In addition to WaitLess there are a range of alternatives to access healthcare, including self-care, asking your pharmacist, contacting your GP surgery, visiting NHS 111 online or calling NHS 111.

Please note: WaitLess currently only displays waiting times for facilities inside Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Staffordshire. Those living on the county borders may find that waiting and treatment times for facilities outside of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are not included at this time.

For life threatening emergencies, call 999 or attend the Emergency Department.

For more information: https://www.shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk/your-health/where-to-get-…;

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