Luke Myer MP recently visited James Cook University Hospital to see the newly launched 24-hour Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC). This facility, designed to ease pressure on the hospital’s busy emergency department, offers a vital service for patients with minor injuries and illnesses, ensuring that those who don’t need critical care are treated in a timely and more suitable environment.
The new UTC is part of a wider strategy to improve patient care across the region, with similar centres now running 24/7 at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool. In addition, the UTC at Redcar Primary Care Hospital has extended its hours to stay open until midnight. These changes aim to provide the same level of care for patients across the North and South Tees areas, ensuring that urgent but non-life-threatening conditions are treated efficiently.
The range of conditions being treated at these UTCs includes strains, sprains, suspected broken limbs, minor head injuries, cuts, grazes, ear and throat infections, and other common ailments such as coughs, colds, and abdominal pain. The facilities are staffed by GPs, nurse practitioners, and health support workers who are well-equipped to deal with these cases.
During his visit, Luke met with staff at James Cook Hospital to discuss how the new system has been for them since its launch. He was impressed by how quickly the team had adapted, managing to get the facility up and running in just a few weeks. Speaking on the visit, Luke said:
“This new Urgent Treatment Centre is already making a big difference, relieving pressure on the emergency department and ensuring people get the right care, quickly and in the right place. Luke was particularly pleased to see how much better the experience is for children, who can now be treated away from the often chaotic A&E environment. The staff here have done a remarkable job getting this facility up and running in such a short space of time, and Luke looks forward to supporting them as they continue to deliver top-quality care to local residents.”
The partnership running the service includes four health organisations: North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the North East Ambulance Service, and Hartlepool and Stockton Health GP federation. This collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment to improving urgent care services across Teesside.
Luke also discussed the hospital’s future needs, focusing on how he can continue to support James Cook Hospital and its staff as they strive to maintain and expand this essential service. The visit marks an ongoing commitment to ensuring the region has access to top-tier healthcare, with further improvements expected in the coming months.
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