New urgent care service for Hartlepool's hospital is just weeks away

Work is well underway for the new integrated urgent care service for illness and minor injuries, which is being launched in Hartlepool and Stockton on April 1.

And health chiefs say it will mean services being aligned in a way that ensures patients are seen “by the right person in the right place.”

The changes will see:

l The walk-in service and minor injuries service at One Life Hartlepool closing on March 31, but other services at One Life will remain.

l In Stockton, walk-in services at Tithebarn House will also close on March 31. The GP surgery will remain open.

l These walk-in and minor injuries services will be re-provided in the new integrated urgent care centres which are based at the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the University Hospital of North Tees.

Alan Foster, chief executive at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, spoke on behalf of the alliance which is providing the new-look service.

He said: “This is a very exciting development for the trust and we look forward to working together with partner organisations, the local GP Federation (Hartlepool and Stockton Health) and the North East Ambulance Service, to provide this facility in Stockton and Hartlepool, which will be a huge benefit to all patients.

“Services will be aligned in a much closer way, ensuring that patients are seen by the right person in the right place.”

The new 24/7, GP-led facility will be provided as an alliance by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, Hartlepool and Stockton Health (the local GP Federation) and North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, from the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

The new facility will include out of hours services, where patients can see a GP or urgent care practitioner for urgent care needs or minor injuries.

If people are unwell and need to use the service, they are advised to book an appointment first by phoning 111. If they have a minor injury, they should walk into the service.

Patients will continue to access their own GP practice as they do now. However, when local practices are closed, they should call 111 for an appointment with the urgent care service.

If people are unsure if they need to see their normal GP (doctor) or attend an urgent care centre, then NHS 111 will advise them.

An information leaflet is also available to download at www.nth.nhs.uk/news/changes-urgent-care/