Critics highlight transport issues as urgent treatment centres open
A MARKETING campaign begins today to promote the opening of new urgent treatment centres in the East Riding, as three minor injuries units controversially shut.
Despite petitions signed by 25,000 people, the units at Hornsea, Withernsea and Driffield will close for the final time this evening. The new urgent treatment centres (UTCs) opening at Beverley, Bridlington and Goole, which will treat everything from fractures to whiplash and burns, will open daily from tomorrow from 7am to 11pm.
People can also book an hourly slot at Withernsea and Driffield hospitals for minor injuries, including sprains, burns and insect bites, using the NHS 111 number.
Jane Hawkard, chief officer at East Riding CCG, said: “We are pleased to be able to move forward with our new model for urgent treatment services in the East Riding. The longer, consistent opening hours for the UTCs ... will mean residents will have better access to reliable, quality clinical care locally.”
Leaflets are being delivered to households explaining the range of services available and people are being urged to call 111 in the first instance.
However, for many residents in Holderness it will mean longer journeys.
June Barton, of Hornsea Cottage Hospital League of Friends, said: “I feel completely gutted for people of this area, particularly those who are going to have great difficulty accessing Beverley and Bridlington and dare I say it, Goole.”
Mrs Barton said the leaflet was good, but bringing it “out after the event is like closing the stable door once the horse has bolted” .
People in Withernsea with no access to transport will be taken to and from an urgent care centre, if considered appropriate. But Mrs Barton doubted taxis would want to pick up someone with a wound gushing blood. “I don’t think it is going to be costeffective. People who are injured need a specialised vehicle, an ambulance or a first responder, not a taxi.”