Get involved with improving urgent and emergency care across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Residents are being asked to share their views about urgent and emergency care as Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent plan for the introduction of urgent treatment centres (UTCs).

UTCs will offer help to people with urgent needs – minor illnesses or injuries that need attention that day, but are not life or limb-threatening emergencies.

Dr Steve Fawcett, Clinical Director of Urgent and Emergency Care for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB said: “The public have told us that, with the current mix of urgent care services, it’s not always clear which is the most appropriate service to use. That means they often go to an emergency department instead where they will face a long wait if their condition is not a medical emergency.

“UTCs will be open at least 12 hours a day, every day, and have a consistent range of services. All UTCs will treat patients of all ages, for both minor illnesses and injuries, and will carry out a wider range of X-rays during full opening hours.

“We’ll encourage everyone to book arrival times through NHS 111, to help reduce waiting times.”

As part of the engagement residents can fill in an online survey which will be available until Sunday 6 October.

There will also be a wide range of meetings and events.

Dr Fawcett added: “We have worked with hospital trusts and all other partners to review our services.

“The development of UTCs will help give patients a better experience if they have urgent needs, and make sure they get seen in the right place at the right time.

“We want as many residents as possible to get involved in discussing their needs and experiences with us before we make any decisions.

“We want everyone to be able to get urgent care whether that is through UTCs, pharmacies or self-care, from GP practices and by providing access to a dentist or mental health support.”

You can find out more, take part in the survey and find out more about events at the Get Involved section of the ICB’s website.