The NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has launched a public consultation seeking views on proposals to permanently set the opening hours of the Bridlington Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at 7am to 8pm.
The reduced opening times, which also apply to a UTC in Goole, were initially implemented in April 2022. This decision was attributed to workforce pressures and low evening usage by the public, according to the ICB. The opening hours at both UTCs were temporarily reduced from 7am to 11pm, seven days a week, to 7am to 8pm, seven days a week.
A recent review of demand data found that the busiest periods for the service are between 8am and 11am, with a further peak in demand occurring at 4pm. Based on these findings and the need for safe staffing, the ICB is proposing to keep the current 7am to 8pm hours on a permanent basis.
The ICB is committed to ensuring urgent treatment options meet the needs of patients, and it stresses the importance of gathering patient feedback before any final decision is made.
Simon Cox, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB’s Place Director for East Riding of Yorkshire, affirmed the benefits of the current arrangement.
“The evidence shows that the adjusted opening times at both Goole and Bridlington Urgent Treatment Centres have enabled us to make the best use of expert clinical teams, whilst maintaining an effective service for patients,”
He further emphasised the commitment to patient care:
“We are committed to delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time. If the temporary changes to the UTC opening hours are to be made permanent, it will help us to maintain focus on peak times of demand, allowing our teams to deliver safe, effective care for everyone who comes through our doors.”
Before a permanent decision is taken, the ICB is keen to understand if the current opening hours have had any impact on patients.
The board is particularly interested in hearing from people who used alternative health services when the UTCs were not open, such as NHS 111, out-of-hours GP services, local pharmacies, or hospital Emergency Departments.
The Bridlington Urgent Treatment Centre is based at Bridlington Hospital and is run by City Health Care Partnership (CHCP). It provides high-quality urgent medical help for non-life or limb-threatening emergencies, treating both adults and children with minor injuries or illnesses. The centre is staffed by a range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, and provides X-ray facilities and emergency prescriptions.
The public can share their views via an online survey at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/BridlingtonGooleUTC/. Paper copies are available on request – people should contact: hnyicb.communications@nhs.net
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