Friarage A&E to be replaced by 24/7 urgent treatment centre
The centre, which will be open around the clock seven days a week, was one of two options put the public. The other was an urgent treatment centre open from 8am to midnight seven days a week.
The facility will treat adults and children with minor injuries and illnesses. It is claimed that nine out of 10 people who would have been seen by accident and emergency will be seen by the urgent treatment centre.
Healthwatch North Yorkshire made representations and shared the views of members of the public as part of the decision-making process.
Over the 18 weeks of the consultation more than 2,060 people gave their views at public meetings, through online and face-to-face surveys and at meetings with local community groups.
Both options also included a consultant-delivered acute medical service seven days a week, repatriation of patients to the Friarage for care close to home and elective (planned) surgery for day-case and short-stay inpatients.
‘Passionate’
The CCG said that although there was some support for Option 2 when the statistics were shared which demonstrated very low levels of urgent treatment centre attendance overnight, the overwhelming view of those consulted was that the Friarage should offer a 24/7 urgent treatment centre – the model that has been operating successfully since March 2019.
Dr Charles Parker, Clinical Chair of North Yorkshire CCG said: “The CCG have reviewed the responses and feedback from the consultation and have agreed that Option 1 is the sustainable way forward for urgent care at the Friarage Hospital. Evidence shows that, under this model, nine out of 10 patients will continue to receive their care at the Friarage and we know that the hospital is highly regarded by those who use it.”
CCG Accountable Officer Amanda Bloor said: “We want to ensure a vibrant future for the Friarage Hospital as we know local people feel very passionate about it. We feel that by offering a 24/7 urgent treatment centre at the Friarage site this offers patients a balance between safe and effective local care and access to specialist services when appropriate. This option will secure the sustainability of the Friarage Hospital and will keep it at the heart of the local community where it belongs.”
Nigel Ayre, Healthwatch North Yorkshire Operations Manager, said: “We recognise that the safety of patients must remain paramount and it is also vital to the local community that the hospital’s future is truly sustainable.
“As part of the decision-making process we have raised potential unintended consequences of these changes, particularly around mental health. We hope these will be taken on board and monitored as part of future changes.
“We will continue to work with the public to ensure their views are at the heart of service improvement.”
